All houses on Leeds street in Christmas lights contest to raise cash for St Gemma's Hospice

Every house on Leeds street has been lit up with Christmas lights for a second year to raise cash for St Gemma's Hospice.
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People living in all 12 houses on cul-de-sac Farnham Close in Whinmoor are once again competing to have the best lights display.

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The friendly rivalry is all in a good cause as the displays attract hundreds of visitors.

Coun James Gibson  on Farnham Close in Whinmoor, Leeds, with residents' Christmas lights display.]
It is being staged to  bring some much-needed cheer during the pandemic and raise money for St Gemma's Hospice. 

Picture: Tony JohnsonCoun James Gibson  on Farnham Close in Whinmoor, Leeds, with residents' Christmas lights display.]
It is being staged to  bring some much-needed cheer during the pandemic and raise money for St Gemma's Hospice. 

Picture: Tony Johnson
Coun James Gibson on Farnham Close in Whinmoor, Leeds, with residents' Christmas lights display.] It is being staged to bring some much-needed cheer during the pandemic and raise money for St Gemma's Hospice. Picture: Tony Johnson
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Last Christmas visitors donated around £2,200 to St Gemma's Hospice.

Farnham Close resident Roger Llewellyn said the Christmas lights started going up outside all the houses around five years ago.

The displays began to draw crowds of people three years ago.

Residents decided to start raising money for a good cause and they put out collection boxes over Christmas 2020.

Coun James Gibson turning on the Christmas lights display on Farnham Close in Whinmoor, Leeds.
Residents  are staging the display to  bring some much-needed cheer during the pandemic and raise money for St Gemma's Hospice. 

Picture: Tony JohnsonCoun James Gibson turning on the Christmas lights display on Farnham Close in Whinmoor, Leeds.
Residents  are staging the display to  bring some much-needed cheer during the pandemic and raise money for St Gemma's Hospice. 

Picture: Tony Johnson
Coun James Gibson turning on the Christmas lights display on Farnham Close in Whinmoor, Leeds. Residents are staging the display to bring some much-needed cheer during the pandemic and raise money for St Gemma's Hospice. Picture: Tony Johnson
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Now people can donate with cash, via a QR code on the close or by donating online via a justgiving page at FC's Farnham Christmas Lights

Grandfather-of-two Roger and his partner Quilly's son Sam Masters and his wife Sarah also live on the street with their children Noah, three, and six-month-old daughter Eloise.

Roger said residents hold a competition each year for the best decorated house.

Residents on Farnham Close in Whinmoor, Leeds, are staging a Christmas lights display to  bring some much-needed cheer during the pandemic and raise money for St Gemma's Hospice. 

Picture: Tony JohnsonResidents on Farnham Close in Whinmoor, Leeds, are staging a Christmas lights display to  bring some much-needed cheer during the pandemic and raise money for St Gemma's Hospice. 

Picture: Tony Johnson
Residents on Farnham Close in Whinmoor, Leeds, are staging a Christmas lights display to bring some much-needed cheer during the pandemic and raise money for St Gemma's Hospice. Picture: Tony Johnson
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He said: "St Gemmas is very close to the hearts of the residents on the close.

"Last Christmas people enjoyed coming to see the lights during lockdown because there were no other attractions to go to.

"We are hoping they will come back this year.

Coun James Gibson turning on the Christmas lights display on Farnham Close in Whinmoor, Leeds.
Residents  are staging the display to  bring some much-needed cheer during the pandemic and raise money for St Gemma's Hospice. 

Picture: Tony JohnsonCoun James Gibson turning on the Christmas lights display on Farnham Close in Whinmoor, Leeds.
Residents  are staging the display to  bring some much-needed cheer during the pandemic and raise money for St Gemma's Hospice. 

Picture: Tony Johnson
Coun James Gibson turning on the Christmas lights display on Farnham Close in Whinmoor, Leeds. Residents are staging the display to bring some much-needed cheer during the pandemic and raise money for St Gemma's Hospice. Picture: Tony Johnson

"We thoroughly enjoy putting on the lights displays and it is a delight to see the smiles on people's faces when they come to see them."

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The lights were turned on by Coun James Gibson (Lab/Cross Gates and Whinmoor).

Coun Gibson said: "It’s a fantastic thing the community are doing to help raise spirits and some much-welcomed charity for St Gemma’s who do such important work in Leeds.

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