Brandlesholme: Special event for what could be woman's last Christmas

Ann Hill, 67, of Birks Drive, gained popularity in her community after decorating the homes of her friends and neighbours with lights and decorations every Christmas for more than 20 years with her husband Barry and neighbour, Janice Hallam. 

The former Holy Trinity Primary School teaching assistant brought delight to the community with her festive displays, even carrying on after being diagnosed with cancer in 2021.

This year, Ann's family and neighbours, including her daughter Leanne, have decided to bring the magic of Christmas to Jean’s front door after she was moved to palliative care earlier this year, meaning she can no longer carry on the tradition.

Anne and Barry Hill (Image: Leanne Hill)

Her daughter, Leanne Hill, says her mum has always “gone massive” for the festive season, and wants to make her last Christmas something special.

Leanne, 42, said: “In 2021 she got diagnosed with cancer, and a year and bit later she got the all-clear but its come back with revenge now and my mum’s on palliative care.

“The doctors turned round to her about three weeks ago and gave her three months, so this will be her last Christmas.

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Janice Hallam's house on Birks Drive, Brandlesholme in 2020 “This year we all, as a community, thought we’d get together and bring it all to my mum. My mum can’t go to the Christmas markets like she loves to, so we’re bring it all to her.”

The event, which will take place on Birks Drive from 6pm on Friday, December 8, will have stalls, food and a raffle as well as the all-important Christmas light switch-on at 7pm.

The decorations began when Leanne and her siblings were children and has gotten “bigger and bigger every year.”

Leanne says the event is a way to thank Ann for everything she’s done for everyone in her community and her family.

Ann Hill has been decorating houses at Christmas for 20 years (Image: Leanne Hill)

She added: “She did for the children and all the people out there, its just something she’s always done, there’s four of us, myself my older sister and my two brothers and her grandkids.

“She always gone massive at Christmas, she’s always got to add to it or change it.

“It’s just frustrating for her now because she can’t get out there and get it done.”

All the money raised from the switch-on and stalls will go towards Ann's bucket list fund which will allow her to go away for the weekend with the support of palliative care team.

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Ann's family, friends and neighbours want to being Christmas to her doorstep (Image: Leanne Hill)

Any remaining money will go towards Bury Hospice where it is expected Jean will be cared for at the end of her life.

“We want to show her that the community feels she’s done so well over the past few years and now its out turn to let her enjoy Christmas rather than doing all the hard work,” Leanne added.

“We want to show her that we’re all thinking about her.”