Requesting Help to continue Kyla’s Legacy

Hi, I'm Becca May and I'm raising funds for my Dad.

The picture above depicts my Dad (Greg Gillam) with my Daughter Kyla at his Christmas Lights Display in December of 2008. It was Kyla’s final Christmas with us. She sadly passed away suddenly the following July, succumbing to Leukaemia which was diagnosed in 2007 when she was only five.

Her passing devastated us all greatly and Dad says that my blood curdling screams at the hospital as our little angel left us still haunts him to this day.

He struggled and wrestled with any thoughts of continuing the Christmas Lights in 2009 without our angel Kyla with us to enjoy them, but I reminded him, “She’ll be looking down from heaven and disappointed if you didn’t put on a show for her.” I also reminded Dad of how Kyla liked watching the Simpsons with him on Foxtel every Saturday and how she loved the Simpsons characters that he had handmade to include in the display.

My words obviously struck a chord in his soul and from that moment in 2009 his efforts with the Simpsons Christmas Lights increased exponentially. He even went one step further and began collecting and accepting donations for the Children’s Ward of our regional hospital to directly support the ward and the kids there. He managed to raise around $2k each Christmas for the ward and those funds all went towards holiday gifts (Easter, Christmas etc) for the kids and specialty items for the ward. This has been a real morale booster for staff and patients in the ward and he’d hoped to able to continue this arrangement indefinitely.

But sadly, as is often the case, “Nothing good comes easy!” As much as he wants to continue the big Christmas Lights Display, Dad’s age is telling (at 66+) and climbing ladders to put up roof decorations and elevated lighting is rapidly taking its toll. My Mum (Sally) and I have threatened to ‘disown’ him if he continues in the hot summers to setup the roof display. He is as stubborn as a mule but has finally promised us that 2023 will be his last “Big Display” with donation boxes and although future displays may still happen, they will be modest in comparison to what he’s done till now. And best of all “No more high stuff on the roof” for the old boy.

So, I’m pleading with everyone for a helping hand to sustain Kyla’s Legacy one last time and help us ensure our local Children’s Ward is catered for during the next few years. As I indicated above, the ward would normally receive around $2k donated yearly from Dad’s Simpsons Light Display and if they were able to continue with that for say three or four more years, Dad could wind back the Christmas Lights somewhat and console himself knowing that Kyla would still be smiling down upon the display set up in memory of her.

If you’re wondering ‘Why ask for $9703?’ the number has real significance; Kyla passed away in 2009 on July the 3rd. If we can get anywhere close to that amount I’m sure my Dad can retire gracefully from his “working at heights” with his Christmas Lights.

Thank you for reading through our current situation and any support will be greatly appreciated. Even if you are unable to donate at this time, I would be truly grateful if you can help by clicking on the “Share” button above and post this to your loved ones and friends.