Crowds turned out to see a devoted husband's Christmas light switch on, at his home in South Ruislip, to raise money for a cancer charity.
82-year-old Derek Brent has been climbing up ladders to decorate the home he shares with wife, Mary, since she was diagnosed with cancer 15 years ago.
This year, around 200 people turned up to enjoy music, a magician, raffle prizes and the countdown to the switch on on Saturday, December 5.
Mr Brent said: “We started off small and it got bigger and bigger and bigger.
“The community joining in – It makes it all worth while. Especially this year with the number of people that turned up.
The grandfather and father of five explained that he now drafts in help from his sons to put up the highest Christmas decorations on the house.
The wife of Derek's grandson, Rosie Brent, helped to spread the word of the event through social media, posting: “Derek has been trying to raise money for cancer research ever since his wife battled cancer many years ago.
“Although she has had to battle it more times since he hasn't given up on his mission. His wife is now in recovery and although she needs an oxygen tank 24 hours a day they are still going strong.
"Derek has been volunteering for scouts and beavers for 50 years and really is a remarkable man.”
Rosie told getwestlondon that around 200 people and six PCSOs turned up to help with the traffic.
She said: “We weren't expecting so many people!
“I had about 70 raffle prizes that I'd collected from the local area from different shops in the community. I had a cake stall as well because local bakeries had given me cakes that we were selling. My mum and her friend dressed up as Bananas in Pyjamas and all the kids loved that.
“It's great to be a part of it. I brought my daughter along this year and was so nice bring her outside to see the lights and to see her face.”
The night itself raised £830 for Cancer Research and the family, who hope to do the event again next year, have since received more donations in the box they keep outside the house.
Have you decorated your house for Christmas? Send in your festive snaps to katherine.clementine@trinitymirror.com
