Castle Hill Christmas lights light up for granddaughter at Excelsior Ave

The King and Waters families have every reason to feel deflated this Christmas but the reason for their grief is also motivating them to celebrate the festive season.

Greg and Rosemarie King with their late granddaughter Sofia Waters. Picture: Justin Sanson

• Christmas lights map
• Dural’s Christmas tree farm

The King and Waters families have every reason to feel deflated this Christmas but the reason for their grief is also motivating them to celebrate the festive season.

Known for the sea of lights — more than 10,000 illuminate their Castle Hill home — the families also host a fundraiser for HeartKids’ Christmas appeal.

Greg and Rosemarie King with with their granddaughter Sofia Waters last year. Picture: Justin Sanson

On April 28, Rachel and Ryan Waters’ two-year-old daughter Sofia died of complications during surgery for her congenital heartdisease at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

Despite the death of their eldest daughter, Mrs Waters said Christmas was a time to recall how much Sofia loved her grandparents Rosemarie and Greg King’s dazzling display at Excelsior Ave.

Rachel Waters, Sofia Waters, Vanessa King, Paisley Waters, Ryan Waters, Rosemarie King and Greg King. Picture: Justin Sanson

“Sofia loved Christmas,’’ Mrs Waters said.

“We have a million photos to show how much she loved Christmas, especially the lights. It was her favourite thing.

“She was about to be diagnosed with autism. The lights calmed her down so we’re doing this to honour her.”

Sofia underwent four open heart surgeries including the first when she was just 10 days old. She was undergoing the fourth when she died.

Mrs Waters’ drive to help other children with congenital heart disease remains strong.

The disease is a leading cause of death in children under the age of one in Australia and it claims four lives each week. There is no known cure.

“We’re heading into 2019 and it shouldn’t be like this anymore,’’ Mrs Waters said.

The display is on every night in December and the public is invited to a sausage sizzle at 136 Excelsior Ave, Castle Hill, between December 13 and 20 when the barbecue and raffles will raise funds for HeartKids and 22q Foundation.