George Michael revealed as a secret Christmas lights benefactor five years after his death

He’s still spreading festive cheer through Highgate (Picture: Getty)

George Michael has been known for having a generous heart, and his kindness lives on as he continues to give back, five years after his death.

The music icon is thought to be a secret donor for a London borough’s Christmas light display.

The Last Christmas singer is thought to be responsible for keeping Highgate lit each Christmas, as their mystery donor.

George’s estate is said to have continued his annual donation ever since his death on Christmas Day in 2016, aged 53.

Highgate was where the singer lived from 2002 until his death, and he’s also thought to be buried there.

After the Wham! star’s death, it’s thought he was the largest private sponsor of the North London area’s Christmas fair, and also paid for the Highgate Christmas tree.

George Michael died on Christmas Day (Picture: Getty Images)

Ham & High, the local estate agents organising the festive celebrations confirmed this information, saying that George has been a secret donor for ‘many years,’ and this year the lighting display will cost a whopping £16,000.

‘George Michael was our secret benefactor for many years, and he loved the Christmas lights,’ said estate agent Chris Underhill.

‘Luckily, his estate continues to support us, even after his death.’

George’s generosity doesn’t end there, as numerous stories of charitable donations from his estate have surfaced since he died due to health complications.

People have shared their stories of George working undercover at homeless shelters, paying off strangers’ debts and covering the £and 9,000 cost of a woman’s IVF treatment.

The singer has made countless charitable donations in both life and death (Picture: Jason Sheldon/REX/Shutterstock)

He also sent over $500,000 since 1993 to keep a HIV trust running in memory of his first love, Anselmo Feleppa, who died at the age of 36.

Project Angel Food said he deliberately kept his contributions private to avoid any ‘fanfare,’ and also donated his Mercedes to sell at auction.

George’s death sent shockwaves around the world when it was announced in 2016.

His loss was devastating for music lovers, since which his family have written annual letters of thanks to his fans for continuing to support his music and legacy.

They were originally written by his older sister Melanie, who died on his anniversary two years ago.

More: George Michael

In 2020, sister Yioda took over the tradition, and she has thanked fans for the ‘huge comfort’ they have offered after she lost her two younger siblings.

She said, this coming year, they will be ‘swerving the bad and enjoying the good as much as we can.’

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Dermot O’Leary baffled as he urges woman who spent £20,000 on dog in one year to donate to charity

MORE : Kanye West is on a mission to end homelessness in Los Angeles after meeting with charity