SOUTH Essex’s most festive home has been unveiled, with hundreds of lights and a Ferris wheel drawing huge crowds - all in the name of charity. 

Martin Pyke, 62, has covered his house in Christmas decorations to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support after his wife, Allison, 61, was diagnosed with breast cancer.

The couple held a switch-on over the weekend where residents from across Southend attended.

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One of the main decorations this year is a festive three-metre tall Ferris wheel, which Martin had started building from February for his wife.

Alison was diagnosed with breast cancer in January, and is currently continuing treatment at Southend Hospital. Martin said: “Her prognosis is currently looking good.

“She loves Christmas and it is something she looks forward to every year.

“After seeing how much my wife enjoyed seeing work on the wheel progress, I went on to built other motorised displays, with a view to putting on a charity Christmas lights display.

“The display has the Ferris wheel as its centrepiece, with several other displays.

It is controlled by a panel, which children can get involved in and operate, making the display move.

“There is a also a candy cane dispenser offering free candy canes for Santa’s little helpers’ as well as a North Pole post box, for letters to be sent to Santa.

“This Christmas is going to be difficult for many people, in many different ways.

“If we can cheer some people up with our display, put smiles on children’s faces, and at the same time raise a little money for a good cause, then it has all been worthwhile.”

The Westbourne Lights display runs every night from 5pm until 8pm, weather permitting.

It is located at 400 Westbourne Grove and “everyone is welcome”.

Allison was diagnosed with breast cancer back in January when she noticed a lump come up under her armpit suddenly overnight.

She saw an out of hours GP, who wasn’t too concerned, but referred her to her GP for a second opinion, who also thought it was nothing overly concerning.

However, Allison persisted and asked for a referral as she knew it did not feel right, and shortly after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  

During chemotherapy, Allison and Martin could not get out the home much, so Martin decided he wanted to give his wife something special to look forward to.

Allison said: “During chemotherapy we could not get out much, and Martin initially built the Ferris wheel for me, as he knows how much I love Christmas, and wanted to give me something positive to look forward too.

“By putting on our display we hope to bring a little bit of joy to Christmas.

“We would love people to bring their children and grandchildren to have a look at our display.

“We will be fundraising for Macmillan. 

“They have helped me so much this year, as I have attended many of the support classes that Macmillan offer at Southend Hospital.

“The treatment I have received from Southend Hospital has been excellent too and I also joined the ‘Bosom Pals Facebook group’ which is a great local support network of women in a similar situation.

“I hope we can share our love for Christmas this year and also help an amazing charity.”

A JustGiving Page has been set up for donations, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/westbournelights