A stunning display of Christmas lights in Welling raises funds for clean water projects in Gambia, captivating locals and spreading holiday cheer
Welling: A home in Welling has turned into a dazzling winter wonderland again this year. It’s all for a great cause—raising money for clean water in Gambian villages.
Archbishop Jonathan Blake has been lighting up Danson Crescent since 2002. His Christmas displays are a real treat for the neighborhood.
Since 2018, he’s been using these festive lights to help fund water access in Gambia. It’s amazing how he’s helping remote communities get vital resources.
This year’s setup is truly magical. The house and garden are decked out with glowing reindeer, shimmering swans, cheerful snowmen, and even a nativity scene.
The bright lights in reds, blues, greens, and yellows create a stunning spectacle that really captures the Christmas spirit.
Jonathan spends almost a month getting everything ready each year. He pays for the whole display himself, so every penny donated goes straight to the cause.
In the past, his efforts have brought clean water to four villages in Gambia: Dobong, Tiaba Nyassen, Kusamai, and Sare Gabu.
This year, he’s aiming to raise £6,000 to fix storm damage to a water tank in Tiaba and replace a broken water pump in Sare Gabu.
Any extra funds will help provide clean water for a sixth village, which is just fantastic.
Jonathan has even traveled to Gambia at his own cost to oversee the projects. He shared his motivation in an interview, saying, “When I see children in villages with no water, I think of them while brushing my teeth or taking a shower.”
He wants to make sure kids have clean drinking water this Christmas, which is such a noble goal.
The water systems he helps set up include solar-powered pumps, boreholes, and elevated tanks that feed strategically placed standpipes throughout the villages.
The local community even digs the trenches for the piping, making it a real team effort.
Over the years, Jonathan’s fundraising has also helped Gambian students go to university and provided schools with sports gear, books, and kitchen supplies.
So far, his JustGiving page has raised £731 towards that £6,000 target.
The lights will be shining every evening from 4 PM to 10 PM throughout December, inviting everyone to come by, enjoy the display, and support this life-changing cause.
If you want to donate, check out Jonathan’s JustGiving page.