'Winter wonderland' in Twyford as homes transformed for festive season

Two family homes in Twyford have been transformed into a Christmas ‘winter wonderland’ with the aim of raising money for Great Ormond Street children’s hospital.   

The Bennett family, who live in Twyford’s Orchard Estate, have been supported by Great Ormond Street over the past year while their youngest Finlay, 14, had major surgery.  

To spread some ‘Christmas joy’ and to help raise money for the hospital that has helped them so much – the Bennett’s, joined by a neighbour, decked their homes out fit for the festive season.  

“I think we’re definitely one of a kind in our little area,” Megan, 25, told the Advertiser. “This year we decided to go all out.”

Helped by parents Kristina and Andrew; and next door neighbour Jo Denton – their corner of the road is now illuminated by decorations including a giant inflatable Santa Claus.

A quiet corner of a Twyford estate has been decked out with larger-than-life decorations.

Glowing gingerbread men as well as a Christmasy penguin and polar bear also feature in their festive display.

Megan said: “This year’s been quite a tricky one for us and we just thought, let’s try and spread that Christmas joy for everyone to see.

“And if we can raise a little money towards a charity that holds such a special place in our hearts then why not?”

Megan’s brother Finlay has been in and out of Great Ormond Street Hospital over the past year, after having spinal fusion surgery there to correct his scoliosis.

Scoliosis is a condition that causes curves in the spine - it can cause great difficulties for a person’s mobility.

For Finlay - who uses a wheelchair - it has made it hard to eat properly and sit comfortably.

He had surgery at Great Ormond Street in January which involved readjusting his posture with titanium rods and screws.

Megan said this surgery had changed her brother’s life.

“We didn’t think that it would make that much of a difference, but he can actually sit up properly now; he eats a lot more – it really is amazing,” she said.

“He’s able to get out more – it’s just given him a much better quality of life.”

Megan and her family were offered accommodation by Great Ormond Street - free of charge – so they could be closer to Finlay while he was receiving treatment.

Megan and Finlay with their family in Trafalgar Square

The family has set up a fundraiser to help the hospital provide the care it gave to them during her brother’s time there.

Megan said she hopes people who pass by their ‘winter wonderland’ display will be encouraged to donate through a QR code placed on a sign in their front garden. 

A £50 target has already been broken and more than £200 has now been raised.

“We’ve been there pretty much every month since [Finlay’s surgery] and we just want to give back to them because they’re absolutely phenomenal what they do,” Megan said. 

“They go above and beyond; nothing’s ever too much for them and it just feels like home when you go there – not a scary London hospital.”

To view the fundraiser and to donate, visit the Justgiving page.