A MAN from Bude is getting in the festive spirit whilst raising money for charity through the sparkle of his Christmas lights.

Robin Bale has been draping his home on Primrose Road with Christmas lights every year, raising funds for charities.

This year, in memory of his neighbour, T J McKinley, who was in his mid thirties when he recently lost his battle with cancer, Robin is raising money for Cancer Research UK — the leading national research charity for cancer.

The lights, which were switched on, on Saturday, December 10, have attracted many local people to Primrose Road, who marvel at the bright colours, the sparkle and the festive ambience that Robin’s lights create — dropping a donation into the box after their visit, which is situated at Robin’s home.

Robin told the Post: “There was a bit of a special cause behind it this year; our friend and neighbour passed away recently, T J McKinley — he sadly died of cancer, so we’re dedicating the lights to him and his memory this year.”

When asked if there were ever a few grumbling neighbours or passers by, Robin said the community’s response was greatly positive. He said: “Not at all — I’m known locally as the man with the Christmas lights.”

He added jokingly: “I get moaned at more for not putting them up soon enough!”

Robin’s lights have always been a great success. Last year, they raised £200, which he banked — doing that every two years — but this year, he is well on the way to reaching his target of £300 for Cancer Research UK, in the hopes that the money can be put together to present a £500 cheque to the charity.

He said: “I’m really hoping we’ll get to £500 this year, and it looks like we will reach that with the amount of donations that are coming in.”

A video of Robin’s lit-up house was recently shared across Facebook, receiving around 4,650 hits.

Robin added: “It’s going very well so far. With the added crowd funding money, the donations are coming in really well.”

Robin’s Christmas lights will be lighting up Primrose Road in Bude until New Year’s Day (January 1), and he is encouraging local people to head over to take a glimpse, and pop a donation in the box to help raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Robin’s Just Giving page is open for people to donate some money to the cause. Visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Robins-christmas-lights to donate.

Robin’s father, Chris Bale, is also taking part in lighting his home with festive lights, in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Chris has been raising money for charity with his Christmas lights for years, and lit them again this year on Saturday, December 10.

Chris said: "People just pop a donation in out of good will.

"It’s a lovely display, and the main thing is raising money for Cancer Research UK."

Chris’ lights will also be available to view up until New Year’s Day.