Christmas lights display is a thank you for hospital's care

A grandad is using his spectacular Christmas lights display to urge people to support a hospital that has helped his family.

Mr Rikki Angell has put up lights outside his home for 25 years, first when he lived in Leicestershire and since 2007 in Coddington.

The display also features illuminated inflatables. New additions to the 37-strong collection include a Minion and a nodding reindeer.

He wants people to donate money to Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, where his four-year-old granddaughter, Pennie, a pupil at Coddington Primary School, has received treatment.

Mr Angell, 62, said: “This is the first year we have asked for donations for charity for putting on the lights.

“My granddaughter has been to Great Ormond Street Hospital for a few operations.

“I wanted to do something that would help the hospital that has helped my granddaughter.”

Pennie was born with an enlarged tongue, due to a rare chromosome disorder called Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.

She has been under specialist care at Great Ormond Street Hospital since she was six months old and has undergone two surgeries since being there.

The hospital researches and develops new treatments, as well as supporting patients and their families.

Mr Angell turns on the display between 5pm and 8pm each day and will continue to do so until Christmas.

“It began when my neighbour and I tried to out-do each other,” he said.

“My favourite inflatable is probably a gingerbread house that I have had for a couple of years.

“Children like to stand underneath it and have their picture taken.”

To donate, visit the Coddington Christmas Lights fundraising page.