A FESTIVE fund-raising attempt for two charities by an Isleworth woman has seen disappointing results this year.
Julia Romp, 37, of Bourne Close, decorates the front of her house with twinkling lights and a Santa grotto every year to raise money for the charitable arm of the Marjorie Kinnon special needs school in Hatton Road, Bedfont .
Miss Romp, also takes pictures of families in Christmas fancy dress and then sends the image to them by email, or prints it out, with an optional donation to the school encouraged.
Since the beginning of December this year she has taken, and in many cases printed, 300 photographs of local families in seasonal fancy dress, but the total number of donations has totalled a Scrooge-like £25.
Miss Romp has been putting on the display for the past six years, and gathered £270 one year for the school.
This year she planned for the total raised to be split between the Friends of the Marjorie Kinnon School Association, attended by her 14 year old son who has autism, and the Guardian Angels who are a new animal rescue charity in Hounslow.
She is hoping some more people will come and enjoy the display and photo service to help boost the total before the Christmas period is over.
Miss Romp, who is a full time charity volunteer, said: "It's just like going to see Santa, I have created all of this for families to really enjoy. There are even reindeer and a sleigh. I have collected the decorations and lights over the years, that's what my family buy me for Christmas.
"Since the start of December the donations have totalled £25, that's the worst it's ever been so far".
Would you like to go and see Miss Romp's display, or have your picture taken in Santa's grotto?
If so, visit 2 Bourne Close in Isleworth between 4.15pm and 5.30pm. Visitors are accepted every day until Monday December 20.
