​Grillo's Grotto in Watford raises money for charity with festive light display

A light display is bringing festive joy to residents in Watford this Christmas whilst raising vital funds for charity.

Grillo’s Grotto on Harford Drive has launched a fundraising campaign in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. 

The much-loved Christmas tradition was first started by Tony Grillo, over 40 years ago.

However, since 2022 the display has been overseen by Tony’s nephew, Calum Henderson, after his uncle was diagnosed with vascular dementia. 

With help from both the Grillo and Henderson families, Calum is determined to continue his uncle Tony’s legacy and support this important cause. 

He said: “Grillo's Grotto is a 40-year Christmas tradition for Harford Drive, but it actually started about 10 years before that at my Uncle Tony Grillo's previous home. The displays meant everything to him, and they are his legacy.

“I have been coordinating the display since 2022, which has been a collaborative effort between the Grillo and Henderson families to keep that festive magic alive. 

“We are raising money for the Alzheimer's Society because Tony is currently battling vascular dementia. 

“My family has seen first-hand the damage dementia and Alzheimer's does; both of Tony's parents also had their own battles with these cruel diseases.

“I want his battle to be remembered and to continue the fight against dementia. Since 2023, I've focused on learning more about fundraising to increase donations for this important cause."

Around one million people in the UK are currently living with dementia – according to research from the Alzheimer’s Society. This is set to rise to 1.4 million by 2040. 

There are many forms of dementia but Alzheimer's disease is the most common, followed by vascular dementia. 

As the UK’s leading dementia charity, the Alzheimer’s Society provides help and support to people living with dementia across the country, and offers a range of local services – including Memory Support Hertfordshire. 

Delivered in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council, Carers in Hertfordshire and Age UK Hertfordshire, the service provides information and advice for everyone affected by dementia or memory loss – with local groups in Watford, South Oxhey, Croxley Green, St Albans and Borehamwood.

Commenting on the fundraising campaign, Soraya Bowen, Alzheimer’s Society Community Fundraiser, said: “We are so grateful that Calum Henderson has chosen to support Alzheimer’s Society this year with Grillo’s Grotto. 

“Each hour people generously give to fundraise for us, every event they take part in, every pound they donate, they’re making a life-changing difference to people living with dementia.  

“Alzheimer’s Society provides vital support to people living with dementia, funds groundbreaking research and campaigns to make dementia the priority it should be. It will take a society to beat dementia.

“There are around a million people living with dementia in the UK including 8,300 in Watford and South Hertfordshire. We all have a role to play in ending the devastation dementia causes. 

“We simply can’t reach everyone who needs us without the continued support of our incredible fundraisers like Calum.”

Visitors who would like to donate to the fundraiser can leave a donation in the cash box, which is located along the front wall of the display.

Alternatively, you can also donate online via the JustGiving page here.