A Walworth family who has covered their house in Christmas lights for twenty-five years in aid of the charity that saved their son’s life have decided to put them on again this year, despite a rise in energy bills.
The Mustafa family, who live at the end of Thurlow Street have been putting on an elaborate display of festive lights for twenty-five years to celebrate the charity that saved their son’s life.
Dad Gunaltay Mustafa started putting up Christmas lights when his son Alex was diagnosed with leukaemia at age four, as a way of cheering him up after his chemotherapy.
After he relapsed at the age of eleven, Alex was given a four per cent chance of survival. His only hope was a bone marrow transplant – something notoriously difficult to find for people from ethnic minorities.
However, charity Anthony Nolan found Alex a donor, saving his life.
The Mustafa family still put on the light show every year, now to celebrate the incredible work by Anthony Nolan, and to raise money for them.
But this year it nearly didn’t go ahead.
“We debated not putting them up this year, because of the way things are at the moment,” Gunaltay said.
“But we can’t stop after twenty-five years.”
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Instead, they are shortening the hours they’ll be turned on. “Usually we put them on from 5pm until midnight but it’s just too expensive this year. So they’ll be on 5 till 9 instead.”
“It’s mostly for the kids anyway,” he added. “They can come into the garden and have a look, and we just ask people to donate what and if they can.”
“It’s costing me an extra 70 pounds a week in electricity – but it’s worth it to see how happy it makes people.”
After a difficult start in life, Alex is doing well. “I don’t really remember everything as I was very young but I was in and out of hospital for three years straight at one point.”
Now 26, he’s working as a teaching assistant in a school and gives one-on-one support to kids with special educational needs.
Mum Donna said: “When Alex was ill, through various organisations we met the cast of Harry Potter and Lewis Hamilton. We went to Formula 1 too.”
“All of that was great, but at the time all you want is for your child to be healthy.”
“We’re so grateful that Alex made it. But some kids aren’t so lucky – so whatever we can do to make it easier for families – we will,” Donna added.
They’re aiming to raise about £700 for Anthony Nolan this year. Click HERE to donate.
