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Somerset family organise light display for neonatal unit which helped them

BBC Faye and Richard. She is on the left, wearing glasses, a black top and a brown jacket. Richard is stood next to her on the right, wearing a black gilet and check shirt. They are both looking directly at the camera and smiling.BBC
It is the third year that Faye and Richard have organised a light display

A Christmas light display has been created by a couple to raise money for the unit which helped their daughter.

Faye and Richard, who live in Farmborough, Somerset, are fundraising for the neonatal unit at Royal United Hospital in Bath.

In 2015, staff at the unit cared for the couple's youngest daughter Lila, who was born at 31 weeks.

Faye said: "It's nice to be able to give something back to them, for all they did for us."

Lila, who is now eight years old, spent the first two months of her life at the neonatal unit.

She was born prematurely after Ms Dawson developed pre-eclampsia during her third trimester of pregnancy.

Pre-eclampsia is a condition which affects some pregnant women, usually in the second half of their pregnancy or shortly after their baby is delivered.

Early signs can include high blood pressure and protein in urine, with symptoms including severe headaches, vision problems, pain just below the ribs, nausea or vomiting, or sudden swelling of the hands, feet or face.

Family handout Image of Thea and Lila. They are stood outside together, looking directly at the camera and smiling. Lila is leaning sideways, on Thea's arm.Family handout
Lila (right) was born prematurely at 31 weeks at Royal United Hospital in Bath

So far the family of four have raised £150 for the unit by displaying their 15-minute show accompanied by Christmas music three times a night.

Richard, who works in IT programming, began organising light displays at the front of their house during lockdown to give thanks to staff who were still working through the pandemic.

Since then, the display has grown and Richard began working in September to set up more than 8,000 lights for this year's annual festive exhibit.

He said: "I'm out most weekends when I can, and even in the night time I'm putting stuff up.

Family handout Image of the light display at Faye and Richard's home. There are two large Christmas trees made up of LED lights either side of their front door. There is also a pair of Christmas tree lights, which have smiley faces. LED Angel wings are placed on their front door.Family handout
The display is 15 minutes long and is put on three times every night

"It's my way of being who I am, at the same time as giving something back.

"We like to do it for the community, for people to come and enjoy the lights.

"We both love Christmas so for us it's nice to have something magical.

"The main thing is to use it to raise some money and this year it's a charity that is important to us."

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