Friends of Lyndhurst Surgery organise first Christmas light trail to raise cash for village’s doctors’ practice

A New Forest village is launching its first festive light trail to raise funds for the local doctors’ surgery.

Organised by Friends of Lyndhurst Surgery (FOLS), the event has around 50 businesses and residents taking part.

FOLS chairman David Wilson said: “December is a great time of year to get involved in a light trail; we are all already thinking of how to decorate for Christmas and this event can help many to kick-start this process.

“Whilst this is a light-hearted event there is an incredibly important purpose, all funds raised will support the local surgery.

“At a time of economic uncertainty and limited budgets, we as a community must come together to ensure that vital resources like healthcare can provide adequately for all who need them.”

FOLS has undertaken a number of fundraising activities over the years, with its aim to raise up to £150,000 for Lyndhurst surgery by the end of 2024.

Money raised so far has been used to provide equipment and services within the surgery and help with refurbishment costs.

Trail maps detailing locations of participating properties can be purchased for £2 from Co-Op in the high street from 1st December.

After completing the trail, which runs from 6th-15th December, people will be asked to choose their favourite display, with a prize awarded to the winner.