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Medway hospital Christmas decorations fundraiser in Beech Road, Strood

By: Matt Ramsden mramsden@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 11:33, 11 December 2020

Updated: 11:42, 11 December 2020

What started out as a bit of neighbourly Christmas fun has snowballed into a hospital fundraiser.

Jodie Humpheys and her partner Andy Lots live next door to friends Gemma and Anthony Malyon in Beech Road, Strood.

Jodie Humpreys, Andy Lots and Anthony Malyon dressed up outside their festive fundraiser in Beech Road, Strood, which is raising money for Medway Maritime's children's ward

At the end of November, the couples put up festive decorations outside their homes and were amazed and touched by the feedback.

The super display comprises 55 separate decorations and a snow machine.

Passers-by and Facebook users praised their collective efforts, with some suggesting they ask people to donate to charity.

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Two weeks later, they have raised £845 and are aiming to get to £1,000 so they can buy presents for the children's ward at Medway Maritime.

Jodie said: "We decided to do a little display together on our drive for our four children.

"We noticed people stopping to have a look and started seeing pictures of our lights on Facebook encouraging people to come and have a look.

Festive fundraiser in Beech Road, Strood, which is raising money for Medway Maritime's children's ward
Festive fundraiser in Beech Road, Strood, which is raising money for Medway Maritime's children's ward

"We then added more and more lights, which sparked more and more interest.

"We then decided to start raising money for Dolphin ward."

Now on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, the couples are out on their driveways offering hot chocolate, sweets, candy canes and more.

Gemma takes care of this, while Jodie, Andy and and Anthony dress up as Mickey Mouse, The Grinch and Elf.

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Jodie added: "The children are absolutely loving it. In this current climate we are living in, it's so exciting to see everyone coming together, the Christmas spirit is on a high."

Festive fundraiser in Beech Road, Strood, which is raising money for Medway Maritime's children's ward

The fantastic fundraisers are now even planning on how to up their game next year, with music illuminations set to feature.

There are collection pots outside the properties for visitors to drop cash into, or people can donate via GoFundMe.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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