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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Amy Duffy & Hannah Mackenzie Wood

Scots street turned into winter wonderland for annual charity event

A Newton Mearns cul-de-sac has once again been transformed into Glasgow's most festive street to help raise money for charity.

Residents of Lavender Drive have decked out their homes with a spectacular display of Christmas lights and decorations, including giant wreaths, snowmen and even an inflatable Loch Ness monster wearing a Santa hat.

The tradition first started three years ago when one resident was diagnosed with terminal cancer. In a bid to cheer them up, the close-knit community decided turn their street into a winter wonderland, with the festive set-up quickly becoming a hit with locals.

Since then, the annual event has only grown in popularity, with minivans full of people arriving throughout December to see the display, an official switch on and even visits from Father Christmas himself. This year, all the money raised from the event will be donated to Cash for Kids, which supports children and young people affected by poverty, abuse and neglect.

Speaking to Glasgow Live, resident Tracy Mckissack said: "It really started out as something for all the residents to do to cheer everyone up, particularly someone on the street who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

"We're a really close street and socialise a lot with each other so it was easy to get everyone involved. We put everything up in November, which is quite early but we need the time to get them up.

Lavender Drive in Newton Mearns has been transformed into a winter wonderland. (Supplied)

They stay up until some point in the first week in January so there's plenty of time for people to come and visit. The street gets so busy, literally bumper to bumper traffic, but we all love it.

We've had it before where we've been sitting watching the tv and noticed there's people in our front garden taking pictures. It's lovely though, especially the kids - that's what it's all about really."

In their first year, residents were able to donate more than £5,000 for the Beatson Cancer Charity, with their efforts last year raising an incredible £22,000 for Cancer Research UK. This year, however, residents aren't expecting to make as much in donations, as many families continue to struggle amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Tracy added: "We definitely aren't expecting to raise as much this year but that's not what it's all about. We don't set out to raise a certain amount, just to bring a bit of festive cheer. Any amount at all that we raise is fantastic and will go to Cash For Kids which is an amazing charity - we know that any money we raise will do a great deal in helping some kids have a nicer Christmas."

There are buckets for donations in one of the gardens at the entrance of the cul-de-sac and QR codes throughout the street which take guests to a JustGiving page, where they can also donate.

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