Have a real cackle at spooktastic Grimsby haunt

A HALLOWEEN fundraiser – who now lives on benefits after being brutally attacked by a neighbour – is stepping up his efforts for charity.

Kevin Theaker, 34, was assaulted and beaten outside his former home in Welholme Road, Grimsby, in front of his three-year-old daughter.

His neighbour, Gary Collins, was punished in court for the incident in January, and received a 12-month community order and was ordered to pay £160 costs and £200 compensation.

However, £200 was not enough to compensate Mr Theaker, who had to shut down his successful painting and decorating business KT Decorating, because of "excruciating" pain in his back. He says he suffers from this pain every day.

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Mr Theaker and his wife Krista Gregersen, 39, are well-known for the Halloween fundraisers they used to hold at their home – which is transformed into the spookiest place in town on October 31.

The couple, their young daughter and Krista's daughter from a previous relationship have now moved to a smaller house in Cleethorpes because they "didn't feel safe anymore".

But they are now planning the biggest Halloween bash they have ever organised, this time at the Number One Pub, in Cleethorpes, and in aid of St Andrew's Hospice.

The following week, they have arranged a ghostly tour of the Yarborough Hotel, in Grimsby, starting at 8pm and lasting until about 3am.

They hope that the events will raise thousands of pounds for the hospice, in Peaks Lane, Grimsby.

Mr Theaker said: "We have always gone all-out for Halloween – it's just something we love doing.

"My mother-in-law spent her last week in St Andrew's Hospice and it does a lot of great work locally, so it made sense to use our love of Halloween to support them.

"The attack has turned our life upside down but this helps take my mind off the pain and gives me something worthwhile to do until I can get back to work.

"It is going to be seriously scary and everyone involved is really excited about it."

The pub will be turned into the scariest place you can imagine for four days on Saturday and Sunday, October 27 and 28 then Tuesday and Wednesday, October 30 and 31.

Outside will become a zombie graveyard and inside, actors will scare you in various themed rooms including a vampire room, a dungeon and a spiders room – featuring real spiders and scorpions.

However, Mr Theaker needs sponsorship to make it happen.

While many groups and professionals have made their services available for free, the props require 300 AA batteries and 200 AAA batteries.

Get involved

If you can help, call Mr Theaker on 07594 145374 or search for Halloween Experience on Facebook to find out more.