Josh makes Christmas special

Josh and his mum Jennifer switch on the Christmas lights at their Moorside home

SHINING example Josh Hayes is determined to light up his neighbourhood and bring seasonal joy with his illuminating festive display.

But behind the twinkly fairy lights there is an emotional message from the 18 year old, who has decked out the front of his family’s home in Moorside.

Josh lost his 58-year-old dad Denis to cancer last year and couldn’t think of a better way of honouring his Christmas-loving father and letting others know the importance of making the season special with loved ones.

“It was tough, losing my dad,” said Josh. “I remember when I was young asking him to put lights up at Christmas for me and he did and I loved it. He put them round the bench and on the fence and it made Christmas really special for me. I thought this was a good way of remembering him and I know he’d love it.

“I also wanted to show others that just because you’ve lost someone you can still have a good Christmas.”

This is the second year Josh has gone all-out on Christmas lights. A host of family members turned up for the switch-on on Tuesday.