A JOHNSTONE dad coined in a ‘spook-tacular’ amount of cash for charities, thanks to a haunting Hallowe’en display in his front garden.
Self-confessed “big kid” John McAllister, 50, used his own cash to build a Pirates of the Caribbean exhibit outside his home in Greenend Avenue.
Youngsters from Johnstone and beyond then flocked to the street to enjoy some frightfully good Hallowe’en fun as they explored the ship and tucked into food laid on by John and his sisters.
READ MORE: Paisley mum-to-be stunned after ultrasound reveals baby swearing at her inside the womb
More than £500 was raised through donations, which will now be split between St Vincent’s Hospice, in Howwood, and Renfrewshire-based mental health charity RAMH.
Dad-of-two John told The Gazette: “The response from people was great, with everyone so happy to support these charities.
“It took me nine days to put it together and I took five days off my work last week. Some people take holidays to the Caribbean but I just brought it here.
“I built a ship like one from Pirates of the Caribbean and even included a Jack Sparrow figure.
“I am just a big kid inside and love all of the holidays like Hallowe’en and Christmas.”
This was the second year that Bridge of Weir Leather worker John has pulled out all the stops for Hallowe’en, after creating a ‘zombie graveyard’ for kids to explore in 2018.
“It is good for the kids and also good for me to be able to give something back to the community,” he said.
“When I was young, we had people in the community who would do stuff like this and take us on trips.
READ MORE: Amy’s cracking idea delivers welcome boost for Renfrewshire hospice
“I just want to give something back. I was brought up by my mother to help those less fortunate than myself.
“It tells you something about the spirit of people in this part of Johnstone that everyone helps each other and even though some folk are maybe not so well off, they still do what they can.”
John, who is also a grandad-of-one, is now turning his attention to Christmas, when he will fill his garden with festive fun for good causes.
He said: “It’ll be something for everyone in the area to enjoy.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here