SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: FEARLESS ghost spotters are to spend a night in one of Wiltshire's most haunted houses to raise money for the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

In what must be the most unusual fundraising event held since the appeal was launched, six ghosthunters will spend a spine-chilling night at the 14th century Bewley Court in Lacock.

Nationwide worker Lee Hare, who came up with the idea, is leading the group, and hopes to record images of paranormal activity on camera on the night of Friday, January 16.

Ghostly rumours about the eerie house are part of local folklore. Legend has it that the ghost of a murdered nun haunts the corridors.

The nun is said to have been killed for using a tunnel linking the house with the nearby Lacock Abbey to meet her lover.

Ghouls have been seen dancing in what was the Great Hall, and a spectral horse-drawn carriage is said to leave the court to travel along a long-forgotten road to a nearby common.

A more recent ghost is believed to be that of Oliver Ford, who owned the property before he died in 1992.

His ghost has been spotted walking in the gardens at twilight.

The ghost spotters are all avid fans of hit digital TV show Most Haunted.

Lee, 22, of Castle Dore, Freshbrook, said: "On the show the presenters stay in haunted houses, and we wanted to try it for ourselves.

"I am just fascinated by the idea that maybe there is something after death.

"If I see anything I will probably be petrified though!

"We will make the evening even scarier by lighting candles, telling ghost stories and holding a seance."

Joining Lee, a customer adviser, are Nationwide colleagues Carol Mead, Jamie Watts, Nicky Knight and Jenna Wright. And if Lee gets too scared, he will be able to turn to his mother, Mandy James, who is joining them.

He found the house through the Weird Wiltshire section on the Evening Advertiser's website, and made contact with the current owner.

Lee decided to support the appeal in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief because he lost both grandmothers to cancer.

"Both my nans were looked after by Macmillan nurses and it made such a difference," he said.

So far, the group have raised £250 in sponsorship and have also been promised a further £150 by Nationwide a major supporter of the appeal.

The building society, based in Pipers Way, Old Town, kicked off the campaign with a donation of £80,000.

So far the appeal has raised £205,000.

The target is £600,000, which will pay for two Macmillan nurses and consultant in palliative care for Swindon.

To sponsor the group call Lee on 01793 712462.

talal@newswilts.co.uk

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