Homes and Gardens / fundraiser
Christmas light displays fundraising for UK’s first ‘patient hotel’
Christmas light displays in Bristol and beyond are raising money for the UK’s first “patient hotel”.
Glowing models of Santa Claus, reindeer, Christmas trees, snowmen and more adorn the gardens of more than 15 homes, all of whom are part of The Grand Appeal’s ‘Shine Bright for Bristol Children’s Hospital’ fundraising campaign.
The campaign invites households to transform their gardens into festive spectacles while simultaneously raising funds for the upcoming facility.
Rory’s Roarsome Display features dinosaurs wearing Santa caps and several multi-coloured fairy lights – photo: Rory’s Roarsome Display
Each display is added to an interactive map, helping visitors follow along and enjoy their own unique Christmas light trail.
Joining the campaign in 2025 are 125 dazzling Volkswagen vans that are part of the Christmas Dubs, who have raised more than £85K for The Grand Appeal.
Some of the Christmas Dubs vans will visit the home of Rory, a two-year-old patient at Bristol Children’s Hospital who has been receiving care since he was just seven months old.
Rory lives with a rare SCN1A genetic mutation, likely Dravet Syndrome, which causes severe seizures, developmental regression and ongoing medical challenges.
Rory’s mother, Molly said: “The last 18 months have been a terrifying journey for us as a family.
“Rory is young and doesn’t understand a lot of what is happening, but The Grand Appeal has supported us through the hardest time of our lives.
“From the moment we walked through the hospital doors, they’ve been there.”
In gratitude for the support they’ve received at the hospital, Rory’s parents have created a dinosaur-themed light extravaganza called “Rory’s Roarsome Display” at their home in Winterbourne.
The display will shine even brighter as the Christmas Dubs convoy, Wallace & Gromit sculptures, and a cast of festive characters make a special visit to celebrate Rory’s incredible spirit.
The Patient Hotel will be a “UK first” and is expected to be beneficial for patients and their families across the South West and South Wales. Patients will be able to stay at the facility with their families and continue receiving therapy and rehabilitation after they have left the hospital.
Main photo: New Fosseway Road Christmas Display
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
