Corby teen Harry says 'Halloween better than Christmas' as he opens haunted house for charity
Being surrounded by screaming ghouls, levitating nuns, cackling witches and creepy clowns would be a nightmare for most people, but for Corby teenager Harry Jacques, it’s his dream.
Harry’s large collection of animatronic life-sized mannequins has been put into a haunted house experience to raise money for charity Action for Neurodiversity – a cause close to Harry’s heart as someone living with autism.
The family home in Chapel Road Weldon has been decorated with pumpkins, skeletons, and all manner of creepy critters.
Harry, 18, said: “Halloween is my favorite holiday – l love it. I’ve literally looked forward to this day since Halloween last year. I just love it. I love the whole animatronics and the spooky vibes. I used to be petrified of Halloween when I was little, but now I love it. It’s better than Christmas”
Starting his spooky collection when he was nine, Harry’s love of Halloween stems from his family’s annual holiday party when his parents Kerry and Darren decorated their caravan. He’s now built up a huge collection and will host a scary maze suitable for the over 7s.
He said: “We would always have some bits, but not as much as this. I’ve got about 150 figures. They used to be in my bedroom, but now that my dad has got a unit and I've got the whole upstairs, so they're all up 365 days.
“I've got ones that jump scare and my favourite one is a vampire bride that grows taller.”
Harry loves the October celebration so much he hosts a YouTube channel, Harry J vlogs, doing prop reviews and store walkthroughs of what different stores have for Halloween.
Harry’s Halloween House at 13 Chapel Lane Weldon (NN17 3HW) continues on Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31 from 5pm to 8pm.
Entry is by donation with all money going to the charity that will help neurodiverse children and their families.
Mum Kerry and dad Darren said: “It’s all about getting help to other people. It’s a charity close to our hearts. We wish we had known about it 15 years ago.”
So what scares someone who lives with clowns, ghosts and zombies every day of the year?
Harry admitted: “Snakes. That's the one thing I don't. I do not like snakes. That freaks me out the most.”