Much loved Christmas lights in Telford go ahead despite couple's baby tragedy
A grieving mum and dad decided to go ahead with their annual Christmas light show despite a very personal tragedy.
Shaun Pickering and his partner Katie Stuart's baby Sky was born sleeping in September this year but after much soul searching they decided to go ahead with this year's Christmas lights as a way of focusing on the future.
“We nearly didn't do it,” said Shaun, 30, whose house was lit up with around 30,000 LED lights at their home in Manor Road, Dawley, in Telford, on Friday.
“It was unexpected and hard for us to deal with. But so many people look forward to the lights and it is a good way of having something to focus on and deal with our mental health.”
Shaun threw himself into a four week project to create a Hogwarts-style train that people can sit in and take photos.
Katie, 38, has been posting social media and promoting the annual switch on.
And this year the lights are switched on to raise as much as possible for two different charities which are now close to their hearts.
Love From George which is based in Telford supports bereaved parents and families after losing their precious baby.
And also ADA'S Foundation which provides empathetic and practical support to families affected by stillbirth, helping them navigate through the challenges of grief and loss.
Shaun says overall it has been “quite a tough year” after grandma Jean Watts died in February this year aged 81.
Since dad John Pickering died five years ago, the fundraising has been in his memory but this year's is in memory of Sky Pickering, and Jean Watts, too.
Over the last five years the family has raised more than £15,000 for Telford Mind and the British Heart Foundation.
Shaun says he hopes to raise at least £1,000 and a JustGiving campaign has been launched.
Raffle tickets are being sold to raise even more and Shaun is delighted that Wrekin Housing Group is also supporting the fundraising.
Shaun says his Hogwarts-style train has been made possible because of Travis Perkins who have donated all the materials to be able to build it.
The lights will be on every night from 5pm until 10pm until New Year's Day.
Shaun says he has them on a timer and it does not cost as much as people may think because the bulbs are low energy.
“But if I notice someone is outside taking a look I can make sure that they don't go off,” said Shaun.
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