Light show has festive attraction

From the archive, first published Friday 8th Dec 2006.

A couple have created a dazzling Christmas display at their home as a special family tribute to boost a charity appeal.

Carol Montgomery, who lost her father to cancer in May, and her partner David Davies have thrown open their lavishly-decorated house in Micklemoss Drive, Mountain, Queensbury, to raise money for the Daisy Appeal.

They are asking visitors to make a donation towards the £1.1 million appeal to build a new base for Bradford Cancer Support.

The festive display is a tribute to Carol's dad, Russell, of Wibsey, who died aged 72, and her mum Sheila who died in 1991 after a road accident.

David, a builder, spent every weekend in November transforming their detached house into a festive wonderland with the outside festooned with 18 sets of flashing lights and dazzling rope lighting. There are figures of Santa Claus and snowmen and silhouettes of Christmas trees and a shooting star. A 3ft tall Santa stands in the garden.

Inside, the living room is a Santa's Grotto of flashing lights, Christmas trees, angels, candles and a moving train set.

Carol said: "We've always put the lights up but we've added new decorations to the display this year.

"My dad once said we should raise money for charity with the display and this year we are doing that in his memory. It is a tribute to both my parents.

"Cars slow down because people are looking at the decorations. There's a sign explaining that we want donations to the appeal."

She began raising cash after reading about the appeal in the Telegraph & Argus shortly after her father died.

She made £200 raffling teddies before deciding to fundraise with the Christmas display, which people are welcome to view between dusk and 9pm most nights.

Linda Enderby, fundraising co-ordinator for Bradford Cancer Support, said: "This is a unique way to give a much needed boost to the appeal.

"We are extremely grateful to Carol and her partner David for opening their home in this way. The lights are spectacular and we hope that their efforts are rewarded by receiving lots of visitors making generous donations."

Anyone else showcasing their Christmas decorations to swell the Daisy Appeal is asked to call organisers on 01274 776688.

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