Homemade garden Christmas display expands

A man who built a 10ft (3m) high Ferris wheel in his front garden after his wife was diagnosed with cancer has expanded his Christmas display.

Martin Pyke said he "lost himself and devoted a lot of time outside in the garage" after his wife, Allison, was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in December 2021.

He has continued to expand the display outside their home in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, since.

The couple have raised thousands of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support, which supported Mrs Pyke, who is now in remission, with their annual displays.

Their front garden is now home to 16 interactive features, including a teddy bear ski lift and a magic toy box, which Mr Pyke started building in January this year.

He said he had taken inspiration from the US where Christmas was "much bigger".

"My neighbours probably think I'm somewhat mad every year when I'm out there digging holes in the front garden to bury aluminium tubes and bits and pieces to support everything," the 65-year-old said.

Mrs Pyke, 63, said she "didn't believe I'd have another Christmas" after her diagnosis, and recalls strong emotions at Christmas 2022.

"I can remember on Christmas Day just sobbing thinking 'we've got to this point'," the grandmother-of-three said.

"It was like being given another new life."

Mrs Pyke has recently celebrated two years in remission from her cancer.

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