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Family honour late son with Christmas display featuring over 100,000 lights

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A family has transformed their front garden into a winter wonderland featuring over 100,000 lights and 3,000 ornaments to honour the memory of their late son.

Ross, 47, and Michelle Clark, 46, began the tradition 22 years ago after the heartbreaking loss of their son Jack, who prematurely died at just six days old.

The display, which grows bigger and brighter every year, is switched on annually on November 24 , which is Jack's birthday.

Ross, a company director from Boughton-under-Blean, Kent, said: "It's like a light for Jack up in the sky."

"It started off basically just around like a window or a door frame and it just grew from there it got bigger and bigger."

Jack was born prematurely at 36 weeks old on November 24, 2022, and passed six days later on November 30.

The tradition began by lighting a candle and over the years it has transformed into a winter wonderland.

The display, which takes months of preparation, is entirely a family effort.

The couple, along with their children Ellie, 23, and Lewis, 20, begin work as early as September, checking lights, repairing decorations and planning the layout.

Ross estimates they have spent over £30,000 on lights and ornaments over the years, with the setup covering their entire front garden.

He said: "It's a lot of work but seeing the joy on people's faces especially the little ones makes it all worth it."

This year's spectacular display features giant illuminated reindeer, a moving Santa, and a snow-blowing machine.

It also has interactive installations like a snow globe train and a memory tree where visitors can leave notes for lost loved ones.

While the electric bill for the month-long display adds around £250 to their costs, Ross says it's a price worth paying.

He said: "It's about more than just the lights. It's about remembering Jack."

"And now, it's something the whole community comes to enjoy"

and to raise awareness for neonatal charities."

This year donations are being raised for The Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Trust at Medway Maritime Hospital.

Visitors can contribute by scanning the display's QR code or directly via their JustGiving page and also through donation boxes placed outside the home.

The dazzling display has become a highlight for the local community and attracts visitors from miles around.

Ross said: "We'll keep making it bigger and better every year. "

"It's for Jack, for the charity and for everyone who comes to see it."

The display is located on Colonels Lane in Boughton-under-Blean near Canterbury and runs throughout the festive season.

You can follow Michelle for updates (@michelleclark0179).

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