A MAN will hold a Christmas lights switch-on event to raise funds for the air ambulance and bring the festive spirit to his community.
Steve Bailey, who lives in Wilstock Village, will hold the event on November 27 to support Devon and Somerset Air Ambulance and collect letters that will be sent to Santa.
Steve started the event back in 2020 and raised a total of £740 since then, but this year he would like to break this record.
He said: “Every year I raise money through my Christmas Lights switch-on event for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
“I would also like to bring cheer to the local community and kids in the area. Last year I dressed as the Grinch and collected letters that were sent to Santa.
“This year I want to beat my total set last year but also tell people what I am doing and why I do it.
“Spidey Santa will be turning on the lights and giving out free sweets to kids also we are doing free mince pies for the adults who turn to switch on at night.
“We will also once again write letters to Santa and have a post box outside my house that goes straight to the North Pole and we will get a hand-delivered message back from Santa.”
Steve also explained he decided to raise funds for the air ambulance after the charity helped her mum in 2020.
He said: “On January 13, 2020, I got a call from my mum saying they needed me later that day my dad died my mum had been married to him for 63 years and now was lost without the love of her life.
“But then on February 4 my mum took a fall and broke her hip, and the ambulance was needed.
“A doctor gave more painkillers to move her, and the air ambulance was nearby and came to help and got my mum to the hospital.
“Unfortunately, she died on February 12 and joined my dad whom she missed so much but the air ambulance gave me another week and will always be in debt to them for the help and everything they did for my mum so now I raise money and give back and help to bring cheer to my local area.
“We never know when any of us might need the air ambulance.”
The lights switch-on event will take place on Sunday, November 27 at 6pm, on Campion Way, Wilstock Village.
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