Well folks, it's Sun 9th November 2014, and it's begun, the annual 'errection' of the PARKSIDE ILLUMINATIONS

Alan, bless him,is just at the start of creating this year’s display, which has included scaling the dizzy heights off the roof apex to secure Rudolf, and an amazing, or should I spectacular, Blackpool illuminations type signage, which was generously donated last year when we were approached by  CH5, to appear in a documentary on Crazy Xmas lights, luckily(!) we were unable to be up and running in time for filming....phew!

We have been lucky enough to purchase many new lights at the end of last season, thanks partly to the generosity of CPC in Preston for selling us end of lines and ex-display items at a reduced rate as it was for charity .

We will be posting photos when the display is complete and ready to rock n roll, but in the meantime we won't complain if you want to donate before you experience the PARKSIDE extravaganza yourself, no offers of money will be refused ;)

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

St Catherine’s is an adult hospice serving people from Chorley, Longridge, Preston and South Ribble. 

1. We provide specialised palliative and 'end of life' care for people living with conditions that can be treated but not cured.
   
2. We are here for people ‘when it matters most’ – offering care free of charge not only at the hospice at Lostock Hall but also in the comfort of people’s own homes. 
   
3. It costs St Catherine's around £5m each year to run its services and over 70 per cent of this huge figure has to be raised through charitable support. The remainder is funded through the NHS
   

.....Well it all started about 15 years ago, when the kid in us threw a few fairy lights over a hedge(not mentioning any competition with neighbours!) Over the years it has escalated to be a bit of a spectacle (would like to say Spectacular, but wouldn't wish to blow our own trumpet!) Sadly the neighbours left & took their lights with them, but we carried on the tradition, & over the years saw a rise in the number of houses on our little estate adding a few twinkles here & there & looked really pretty in all that snow!

Although we live in a cul de sac so we have no passing traffic as such, but people often pop down to see what else we have managed to 'squeeze' in, although the addition of solar panels (nothing to do with paying for all the electric the lights consume!) will challenge Alan's creativity with regard to roof space.....Santa will need all his skills to land on our roof.....some minor head scratching I feel maybe involved!

People have often mentioned that we should have a collection box outside, but this always worried me so when someone mentioned 'Just Giving' I thought 'now there's an idea' so here we are.

If every one of my 112 Facebook friends gave £1.00 it's a start....subtle hint to co-workers @ Ramsay Hospital.....   not forgetting gift aid, it all helps.

Times are extremely hard for everyone at the moment so we understand, especially at this time of year, but our chosen charity will be grateful for any pennies you can spare....

We all know someone who has their lives affected by some form of cancer there won't be many of us that has not experienced the feeling of loss on many levels. I personally am a cancer survivor,so lucky enough not to have used the services of a Hospice, but I understand and empathise .....
SO PLEASE DIG DEEP, WE MAY BE THE ONES NEEDING HELP & SUPPORT......enough said xxx

Thank you for taking the time to read this little tale & if we can help  one more family suffer less pain, discomfort and distress that Cancer imposes, our job is done. 

Grateful Thanks & Seasons Best,

Kathryn & Alan.

        XXX