ON of Thurrock's most popular community Christmas attractions will be returning from this weekend - with a special reason for festive fundraising this year.

The home of Jamie Bagge and his family on Whitmore Avenue, Stifford Clays, has become an annual place to visit for many local families and its Christmas decorations will be switched on for the first time on Friday (1 December).

Jamie says: "This year we are raising money for a cause that is close to our hearts.

We started this year only to find one of our children had suddenly became unwell. As a result we found ourselves admitted to Basildon hospital then transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Safari oncology ward children's.

"I can honestly say it is the most heart-wrenching place we have ever been.

"While we were waiting to go down for a procedure we were lucky enough tpo be given a RockingR computer system to play with which gave us the opportunity to forget where we were and why we were there.

"It helped keep our child distracted.

"After some time and a lot of appointments and medication we have been discharged but we will never forget the whole experience and would love to be able to purchase another system to donate to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

"We will have our magical wishing well in the garden to collect donations. Also we have set up a fundraising page. I have never had a set target in mind over the years we have been fundriaisng but I know the cost of the RockingR system

is £2,400. We have personally donated £1000 to this so if we can raise the remaining £1,400, that would be amazing.

"Thanks for your support as ever.

"Merry Christmas from us all at Whitmore winter wonderland.https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid01DVMoLyjeTpfdbRRC9mmsHbEwwUyhdrJ99z1NRedFshZrFKZWvTHEmLsKSkKdHXDl&id=100068682594453"