A Halloween fan who was told by police to tone down a display outside his house has described the public’s response as “amazing”.
The Comet reported last week that James Creighton, of Grove Road in Stevenage, had been visited by police officers after a parent complained that the decorations – based on horror film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre – were making their children cry.
The 25-year-old decorates his house annually to raise money for Cancer Research UK, after his grandmother Betty died from the disease in 2009.
The story has made headlines across the UK, and has also be published on a Canadian website – with a flurry of donations from across the world.
Prior to the Comet article, Mr Creighton had received about £600 in online donations for the cause, but that figure has more than tripled in less than a week.
Speaking about the public’s reaction, he said: “It’s been pretty crazy if I’m honest. There’s been people from France, Canada and America all donating, it’s amazing.
“I’d say 99% of people have been on my side. I did think there would’ve been a bit more negative feedback but lots of people have been giving me their backing. I’ve had a few people knocking on my door to say I’ve inspired them to decorate their houses for charity, so I think I may have started a little craze.
“The Americans and Canadians go all out for it so I think that’s partly why I’ve had so many donations. Last year I raised about £600-£700 on the night so hopefully I’ll be able to raise over £3,000 now.”
So far more than £2,000 has been donated online. To support the cause, visit the house in Grove Road or log on to www.justgiving.com/GroveRoad
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here