The Clark family’s Christmas lights display in Colonel’s Lane, Boughton-Under-Blean, has become a village tradition since they first started with lights around their front door to commemorate the birthday of their son Jack. He was born four weeks early and critically ill in 2002, and died six days later, spending his whole life in an incubator at St George’s Hospital in London.
The display has grown since then and now attracts thousands of visitors each year, as well as raising thousands of pounds for charity.
This year, the family are raising money for East Kent Hospitals Charity, for the Tiny Toes campaign, which supports the neonatal intensive care unit at the William Harvey Hospital and the special care baby unit at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.
The lights were switched on in front of a crowd of hundreds on Monday, and mum Michelle said it was always a special occasion.
She said: “These lights are Jack’s birthday cake, and I hope that he can see them wherever he is now.
“It is our way to honour his memory and raise money for a great cause at the same time.
“Our lights are a symbol of love and loss that stretches from our home to every tiny fighter and their family.
“We hope people will take a moment to remember all the babies no longer with us, and help support the babies and families who need it most.”
This is the second year the family have raised money for East Kent Hospitals Charity, and last year they raised £12,500 for the Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Trust.
The family were nominated for the Pride of Britain awards this year, and reached the final four for the south east of England. They have also received the Gordon Ottaway Good Citizen Award from Boughton-Under-Blean Parish Council.
Dad Ross, who owns a drainage company, said: “We love seeing the visiting children’s faces lighting up with happiness.
“This is all for Jack, to celebrate his birthday and to make sure his memory shines on.
“We hope the display brings people together, celebrating community, hope and the spirit of Christmas.”
Dee Neligan, head of East Kent Hospitals Charity, said: “We are humbled to have been chosen by the Clark family this year, and overwhelmed by the incredible display, the community’s support, and the love and care that the Clarks have put into celebrating and remembering Jack’s birthday.
“This festive display, Shining for Jack, is not to be missed!”
Last year, the family introduced a ‘memory tree’ at the front of the display, where people can leave messages for those who they have lost. This proved particularly popular and last year’s messages are on display.
The display is lit daily from 8am to 11.30pm, until January 5. You can add to the donations online here: CLARK FAMILY is fundraising for East Kent Hospitals Charity
In the past two years, East Kent Hospitals Charity has committed funds of almost £80,000 towards the special care baby unit and neonatal intensive care unit, to enhance the hospital experience for the babies, families and staff.
