The Attleseys of Soham have decorated their home with thousands of lights each year since 2012, raising more than £67,000 for charities that supported their grandson Jake, who has a rare form of epilepsy. They start installing in September for a November switch-on, and the elaborate display on Julius Martin Lane draws visitors from across the UK. Proceeds go to EACH, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Dreamflight, and the couple hope to reach a £100,000 fundraising goal while they can.
Soham 'Christmas House' Lights Raise Over £67,000 — Family Keeps Holiday Charity Tradition Alive
The Attleseys of Soham have decorated their home with thousands of lights each year since 2012, raising more than £67,000 for charities that supported their grandson Jake, who has a rare form of epilepsy. They start installing in September for a November switch-on, and the elaborate display on Julius Martin Lane draws visitors from across the UK. Proceeds go to EACH, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Dreamflight, and the couple hope to reach a £100,000 fundraising goal while they can.
10:07 AM, 11/15/2025Society
Soham's festive display raises thousands for children's charities
Helen and John Attlesey of Soham, Cambridgeshire, have decorated their home from top to bottom with thousands of Christmas lights and ornaments every year since 2012. Their annual display on Julius Martin Lane has now raised more than £67,000 for charities that supported their grandson Jake, who was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy.
Work begins each September so everything is ready for the traditional November switch-on. The couple's elaborate scenes feature Father Christmas, snowmen, toy soldiers, Nativity figures and even illuminated swans — all assembled by John, who still climbs ladders to position displays, with help from their son.
"The electricity bills are part and parcel of it, but keeping the tradition and fundraising going is our way of putting back," Mrs Attlesey said.
The display draws visitors from across the UK and beyond. Locals commonly call the property "the light house" or "the Christmas house," and many people film and share the spectacle on social media. Mrs Attlesey recalls aeroplanes flying low over the house and joking that they had come to see the lights.
Visitors praise the display's warmth and detail. Regulars such as Margaret Ryles travel from Cornwall to see it, while parents bring toddlers who are mesmerised by the colours and moving figures. For much of the year, the couple’s attic, garage and shed are packed with decorations awaiting the next season.
Proceeds from the annual show support EACH (East Anglia's Children's Hospices), Great Ormond Street Hospital and Dreamflight, a charity that takes seriously ill children on holiday to Walt Disney World in Florida. The Attleseys say they hope to reach a long-term fundraising goal of £100,000 but will continue the tradition "while we're fit and while we can."
How to see it: The display is on Julius Martin Lane in Soham and is usually switched on in November; the couple asks visitors to be considerate of neighbours and donations are collected for the named charities.