'Lights man' raises £6,000 with Christmas display

A Peterborough grandfather has raised just over £6,000 for bereavement and palliative care charity Sue Ryder with his latest Christmas lights display.

David Woolridge, 63, transformed his home in Longthorpe into a festive attraction, welcoming hundreds of visitors and asking for donations.

Known locally as "the lights man", he spent £1,500 and four weeks creating the display, which featured 47 real Christmas trees, dozens of inflatable Santas, and a golden tunnel of lights.

Woolridge, who was inspired by the care his father received at a Sue Ryder hospice, said: "I wanted to give back to the charity who did so much for him."

A landscaper by trade, Wooldridge, has been creating the display for eight years and has now raised more than £20,000 in total.

"I love to see families coming together to see the display," he added.

Asif Shaheed, community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall, said: "David's Christmas lights display is always incredible, and this year was no exception. We cannot thank him enough for his generous support.

"Our thanks also go to the wonderful Peterborough community, who visit the festive fundraiser year on year and show their unwavering support for Sue Ryder.

"The amazing amount of money raised will help us continue delivering our vital palliative care and bereavement support services, because no-one should face death or grief alone."

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