Ref. 28515-06Twelfth night has come and gone and so have thousands of Christmas illuminations and decorations in Swindon's best-lit home.

Alan and Edith Stoddard, of Nythe, festooned their house in Chalford Avenue, with a plethora of festive decorations and more than 23,000 lights to help our Swindon Cancer Appeal.

Alan, 66, explained: "We held an open house from December 15 to January 6 and invited anyone in for cups of tea and coffee, and a chance to see the lights.

"We started doing it about four years ago. People used to climb on a phone box outside the house to peer into the garden.

"We just went out and told them they could come and have a proper look if they wanted to.

"Now we have around 300 people a night knocking on the door for a look. It has spread by word of mouth. We get great pleasure out of it.

"It's wonderful to see the look on kids' faces and adults love it too. It's something quite special."

Alan, a former Unigate driver, said the creation comprises around 23,000 lights and numerous Santas, reindeers, snowmen and angels.

The couple, who have been married for 44 years, reckon it costs them just £7 per week to keep the lights shining.

Public donations have raised £500 for our appeal and £500 for the Prospect Hospice, in Wroughton.

The appeal total stands at £213,234.

Alan added: "Last year we had a manger outside and people threw money in there and also put it through the letter box. We gave it to charity and thought it would be worthwhile to help Macmillan nurses this year."

Edith, 65, said: "I love doing it. I have had one long last look at it. It's quite sad when the time comes to take it down."

Other fundraising events in the appeal's calendar for 2004 include some old favourites.

Hundreds of cyclists took part in last year's Castle Mountain Bike Ride raising more than £7,700 for the appeal. This year's bike ride will take place on Sunday, June 6.

The route follows the Ridgeway in a loop of the Downs, and riders can choose whether to try a 10, 15 or 25-mile cycle. Swimming fans will be able to do their bit, too. The Butlins Swimathon will take place at the Link Centre, West Swindon, from March 13 to 21.

And nursing student Ruth Yates, 40, of Parkstone Walk, is preparing to say goodbye to her locks.

The mother-of-five will shave her head later this month and split the sponsorship between Prospect Hospice and our appeal.

The appeal money will pay for two Macmillan Nurses and an expert in palliative care for Swindon for three years, after which time the NHS will take over

For more details on the bike ride call Jill Greenaway on 01793 521630. The Link Centre, in Whitehill Way, can be reached on 01793 445566.

For details on events, or to register your own, contact appeal manager Graziella Campisano on 01793 601636.

Alex Emery