Grandfather brings festive joy with Christmas light display

A 63-year-old grandfather from Peterborough is bringing festive joy to families with his annual Christmas lights display, raising money for a palliative and bereavement support charity.

David Woolridge spent £1,500 and four weeks decorating his Longthorpe home, which he hopes will attract hundreds of visitors.

Mr Woolridge, a landscaper, has been creating the extensive display for the last eight years and has so far raised more than £20,000 for the Sue Ryder charity.

This year's display features 47 real Christmas trees, dozens of inflatable Father Christmases, a golden tunnel of lights and a six-foot reindeer.

"I love to see families coming together to see the display," said Mr Woolridge, who is known locally as "the lights man".

"Some families come every year and I've seen their children grow up," he added.

"I change the display every year. I often have people messaging me in October asking when it will be ready.

"I think people will be upset if I stopped, but I intend to keep going. For a lot of families at a time when things are difficult, the display brings joy and hope - and for me it's worth doing."

Mr Woolridge's father was cared for at a Sue Ryder hospice in Henley-on-Thames and he says he wants to "give back to the charity who did so much for him".

Asif Shaheed, community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, said: "David's creativity and dedication to fundraising are extraordinary.

"Each year he brings joy to the community while helping us continue our mission - ensuring no one has to face death or grief alone."

"I enjoy seeing all the smiling faces," Mr Woolridge added. "It makes it all worth it."

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