Sheffield mum gives spectacular spooky transformation to home for charity
Is this the spookiest house in Sheffield?
A Sheffield mum has transformed her home into an amazing Halloween display, complete with spooky decorations, to raise money for two causes close to her heart.
Gemma, who lives on Weakland Crescent,Frecheville, is preparing to welcome families to a Halloween charity event on October 31.
The display has been taking shape over several weeks, with Gemma promising even more decorations and spooky surprises before the big night.
Gemma is raising money for Friends of Talbot, supporting Talbot Specialist School, which her 15-year-old son attends, and S12 Community Pantry, which supports families in the local community.
Her son has Angelman syndrome, SYNGAP1 syndrome and albinism, and Gemma says the school has made a huge difference to his life.
She said: “Talbot Special School have been absolutely amazing for him, and this is one of the reasons the fundraiser is so close to my heart.”
She said specialist equipment was expensive, and she wanted to give something back to the school for the support it provides to her son.
“Talbot is always looking for specialist equipment to support the children, and they do an amazing job with my child, so I love being able to give something back and help them.”
The Halloween display has also become a source of happiness for her son, who loves seeing the decorations come together.
Gemma said watching children pass her house on their way to school and point out her directions keeps her motivated.
“I love seeing the children’s faces as they walk past my house each morning on their way to school and spot what’s new on my Halloween display. It really makes me smile knowing that I’ve brought a bit of excitement to their morning.”
This year, she decided to support S12 Community Pantry alongside the school, praising the work it does for local people and families.
“Being local to S12, I think the work they do for people and families in our community is absolutely amazing, and I wanted to support them too.
“Both causes are fantastic and do so much for others, so I thought they would be perfect to fundraise for together.”
The main event will take place at Gemma’s home on the evening of October 31.
Visitors can expect a Scary Mary photo opportunity, sweets for trick-or-treaters, face painting, balloon modelling, glitter tattoos, a tombola, hot dogs and hot drinks, alongside other activities.
S12 Community Pantry will also be there running games and a tombola.
Food, drinks and activities will be available to buy or enjoy in return for donations, with money raised going towards the two good causes.
Gemma is also running a Halloween raffle throughout October, with more than 50 prizes donated by local businesses in Sheffield and further afield.
Prizes include a £50 tattoo voucher, a gel manicure, a family ticket for five to Eureka! The National Children's Museum, a one-night stay at Sheffield's Leopold Hotel with breakfast, and vouchers for vehicle valeting and security packages.
Raffle strips cost £2.50, with tickets available online from Gemma and on the night.
She said: “It’s amazing to see how many people from Sheffield, and even further afield, have got behind my fundraiser and donated prizes. I’m so grateful for all the support.”
Before the main event, Gemma will also hold a special sensory-friendly Halloween session on October 30, from 5pm to 7pm.
The quieter trick-or-treat event is designed for children with additional needs who may struggle with crowds, loud noises and the usual busy Halloween atmosphere.
There will still be decorations, sweets and a chance to meet Scary Mary, but without her scary face paint.
Gemma will aim to make the experience calmer and more comfortable for children who find Halloween overwhelming.
She said she wanted to give children the chance to enjoy the occasion in their own way, without the pressure of navigating a busy event.
Donations can be made online or in cash on Halloween night, with charity buckets available from Gemma.
She is encouraging Sheffield residents to come along, enjoy the display and support the two causes.
“Every single donation, no matter how big or small, will make a difference to these two amazing causes.”
To donate follow this link: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML2Q4C8QD7ECB/checkout/YVBP4AMOKGLUWNUP5VQ4WDN6