A DEESIDE man who was horrifically "robbed" of his father when he was a child has turned his home into a shining Christmas spectacle.
Chris Goldsworthy has spent 50 hours decorating his Garden City home with a vast array of Christmas decorations in memory of his father, and to raise money for charity.
Chris was just 13 when his father, Brian, was brutally murdered in December of 1991.
He was stabbed 12 times with a kitchen knife by his ex-wife's partner in the waiting area of a court complex in Swindon, Wiltshire.
Following the tragedy, Chris said the festive period was tainted with sadness and dark memories, but he began to find solace form of Christmas lights.
In recent years, Chris has been decorating his Farm Road home with more and more decorations each Christmas - and this year's will be the most breathtaking display yet.
He told the Leader: "I was robbed of my father in the most horrific way when I was just 13. I was his eldest of four children, and my father's death left a big hole in a lot of people's lives and has taken a very long time to come to terms with.
"I was very close to my dad - he was my best friend. He was a funny, happy-go-lucky guy and would do anything for anyone - but particularly his children, who were his whole world.
"He died fighting for access to see his children. He is still very much loved and missed by everyone that knew him."
Chris' display is also raising money for the Take a Knife, Save A Life charity.
He said: "I've been building a bit of a Christmas light collection for years now - I think it was mainly as a way to distract myself but also put smiles on faces when people come past."
Chris lives across the road from a primary school - and it's the smiles his yearly displays put on the children's faces that motivates him to keep doing it.
He said: "With the 30th anniversary of my dad's death coming up this year, and the couple of years everyone's had with the pandemic - I wanted to go as big as possible with the display I put on."
This Sunday, the lights will be switched on for the first time and people are invited to attend the event. Sweets will be given out to children, and Chris will have a bucket for anyone wishing to donate to the fundraiser.
Alternatively, you can donate online at https://bit.ly/3kXUuhL
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