ONE of south Essex’s most festive homes has gone bigger and better with a “flying Santa and sleigh” as the family continue to raise money for charity.
Martin Pyke, 63, is ready to kick off the festive season this weekend as he launches his motorised, “child controlled”, Christmas display.
The display has 14 different motorised decorations including a flying Santa, a penguin ski lodge, an elf railway, and a Christmas Ferris wheel.
All can be controlled by the children visiting using the panel at the front of the house in 400 Westbourne Grove, Westcliff.
Martin said: “We are so excited to be running it again this year.
“So, last year we ended up with eight moving displays, this year I have continued to build and build and so we have another six to have to that, making 14 in total.
“12 of those are operated by a control panel on our driveway which children can push the buttons and make the displays work.
“We also have a candy cane dispenser so children can have a free candy cane, as well as a box to send letters to Santa.
“Parents always tell us that they really look forward to it and that their children love it. Some come several times.
“So, it is a good and special time, we love it.”
The lights and control panel will be available to use every day from Saturday, November 25, until Thursday, December 28 – between 5pm and 8pm.
The grandad began creating all these motorised decorations around two years ago, when his wife Allison, 62, was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Allison was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2022, and had 15 months of treatment at Southend Hospital.
During her cancer battle, and still now during her recovery, Allison received support by the MacMillian team at Southend.
So, as a thank you, the couple hosted a Christmas display last year, raising £3,500 for the charity.
Martin added: “Over the whole of the festive period last year, we had around 2,000 people visit.
“Allison still goes to the MacMillian events in Southend, and they have been very good to her and do so much for the community.
“It is vital to have that support when you are going through cancer. And every penny raised will be going directly to the MacMillian team at Southend Hospital.”
A JustGiving Page has been set up for donations, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/westbournelights2023
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