‘I’m a survivor’: Halloween light show returns to raise money for men’s mental health after owner’s depression battle

Bedecked in five thousand lights, a home has been transformed into an eerie abode to raise money for charity after its owner survived a serious episode of depression.

Liam Mcerlean has spent the best part of seven months programming thousands of LED lights in anticipation of his Halloween show, which will raise vital funds for Andy’s Man Club this year.

The 25-year-old launched the Ireland Way (Waterlooville) show last year to raise awareness for men’s mental health after suffering with severe depression that led him to try and take his life in 2024.

He said: “I started the whole thing for men’s mental health in 2024 after going through a rough patch where I attempted to take my own life twice. I wanted to become an advocate for men’s mental health and as someone who has been through it, I can say there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”

The dad-of-one started working on this year’s show back in March and is now preparing for the launch on Saturday, October 17.

He continued: “This year there are 5,000 lights involved with pyrotechnics so we will have them going off during the show as well.

“In terms of the lights, it is always an anxious feeling. Even when they are on I’m anxious and looking for things that can be better but seeing the joy it creates for people, and having families say this is going to become a yearly tradition is so nice. As a father myself, it feels great to know people want to come down and support us.”

Liam, who now works for the ambulance service, is also in the process of launching his own mental health charity - ‘I’m here mate’ - to encourage hard conversations that could potentially save lives.

The men’s group, which is anticipated to properly launch in the new year, will strive to remind men struggling with depression that they are not alone. Once fully established, Liam is hoping to be able to organise group activities to provide support.

“Hopefully these men will be able to walk away with a friend”, he explained.

Liam added: “Looking back at where I was in 2024, I can’t even put into words how I feel. I won my battle with mental health and I am a survivor but unfortunately a lot of men can’t say the same so I am doing this for them and what they have gone through and hopefully we can make a difference.

“It is as simple as starting a conversation so it’s about sending a message to your dad, brother, friend to say ‘You okay mate?’. That message could save a life and it could become a life saving tool.”

The light show will take place every night from October 23 until Halloween where the main event will feature free popcorn, photo opportunities, displays and a tombolo.

To support Liam’s fundraiser, click here.