Audenshaw Home Owner Thanks Local Community For Support With Christmas Event Fundraiser

A homeowner who has transformed her house into a winter wonderland to raise funds for Francis House Children’s Hospice has thanked the local community for their ongoing support.

Kim Ryan, who lives on Woodhouses Avenue, Audenshaw, has gone all out to raise money for Francis House Children’s Hospice - a facility which took great care of her son, Cameron, who sadly died in 2010.

As part of her efforts, Kim drafted in a number of friends and generous businesses to adorn the house ahead of the grand opening last Saturday - which will included a musical event with refreshments. The house itself has LED floodlights projected onto it, along with stunning Christmas boarding to resemble Santa’s workshop with rows of presents, and a life-size Santa.

The event was well attended with members of the local community turning up in droves to offer their support and provide their own Christmas magic.

Following the event, Kim said she was overwhelmed by the turnout and thanked those who came. "It’s difficult to put into words how grateful I am for absolutely every single person that came.

"I wanted to say something before everyone left, but to be completely honest, emotions ran away with me, I was hugely overwhelmed and just kept crying because I couldn’t believe the turn out.

"For every donation and for the love that was shown by just being there when it’s cold and the weather is bad - you guys are unreal."

As we reported on last week, Kim has since been supported by Francis House in the wake of Cameron's death 12 years ago. She has nothing but admiration for those who work there and believes last weekend's event, along with those who made it possible, was a fitting way to pay their respects. She said: "It takes a lot of people to make something like that a success and I really had a team of beautiful people helping me, friends that really accept me, that support my mad ideas and show up time and time again, whether that be with a mince pie donation, a bottle of mulled wine, your child to sing, hours of your time, a stage, a home bake, a speaker or a donation. you guys are awesome and I’m so lucky.

"Francis house was a lifeline for me and I still struggle to explain to people how beautiful that place is,Its a feeling I wish I could share but in not such sad circumstances.

"My boy was extra special and I worried that he would get left behind by time, but I’m certain he gives me this drive to never give up and to keep chipping away to keep his memory alive by continuing to share the love that I was shown by Francis house.

"It’s extremely hard living with constant heart break but you all make it that little bit easier.

"You are all amazing - thank you."

Kim's efforts have so far raised £480 towards a £500 target. If you would like to donate, head to the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/rmezy3?member=23757989&sharetype=teams&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer

In related news, home owner Jamie Stirling, who lives a stone’s throw away from Kim on Baroness Road, has also decorated his house for the same charity. 

Jamie, who previously attended Audenshaw High School, has adorned his house with plenty of lights, a Christmas tree, baubles and much more.

Jamie has exceeded his target of £250, with current donations totalling £260. You can donate here: https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8PvHnku7G4?fbclid=IwAR1SIFAoVsiMDHAOwwd-kCmQDzm_xCQvI5G0xg3GPfV7G-wgTQmeOwMQLfw