Charity garden light show dazzles in Perth

A garden of Christmas delights to gaze at after dark is back in Perth.

Alistair Smith and Grant MacDonald from Beechgrove Place are behind the feel-good sparkle in the Fair City residential road.

When they put up their stunning Christmas lights last year, they raised over £9000 for Bone Cancer Research, all from donations made by those who enjoyed
the show.

Alistair said: “Last year we were saddened that our nephew Gavin Russell passed away aged just 20 in September 2021 with bone cancer, specifically Ewing Sarcoma.

“There is so much research needed into bone cancer and how it affects teenagers.

“Gavin’s wish was that money was raised for research, so we are delighted to support Bone Cancer Research again this year.”

Craig and Lorraine Russell’s son Gavin passed away aged 20 from Ewing Sarcoma, a form of bone cancer. Grant and Alistair's light display is helping fund research (Perthshire Advertiser)

In 2022 Alistair and Grant open their garden again, supporting Bone Cancer Research and also Dravet Syndrome, a cause which unfortunately has touched them personally as a young relative of Grant’s battles the condition.

Grant explained why Dravet Syndrome is on his mind and will benefit from the lights in 2022: “My great niece Penney was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome, a rare and life limiting form of epilepsy. A seizure may happen at any time and the family needs to be ready to help.

“The medication routine is exacting and we are all being trained on how to administer medication if needed.

“We are all supporting Penney, her brothers and sister and her mum and dad to give Penney the best chance to shine.

“Dravet Syndrome UK supports families with specialist equipment and support.”

Penney is just a babe-in-arms but she needs a lot of medical support to manage her Dravet Syndrome. She was at the switch on in Beechgrove Place with her loving family (Perthshire Advertiser)

Penney - who is aged just one - and her family were able to enjoy the lights and help with the switch on when they visited last week.

Alistair added: “We hope you can visit us, you can’t miss it, just head to Beechgrove Place in Perth, have a look round the garden, take pictures, spread the joy and happiness or visit https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/christmas-lights-bgp-fundraiser-2022

“The garden will be open every day from 4.30pm until 10pm, just come along with the kids, friends and family and enjoy. We know this year everyone is feeling the financial pinch, but if you can afford to donate, the family would be delighted.”