MORE than 2,000 Christmas lights are bedecking the home of a North Tyne pensioner this year to raise money for a local charity which helped her fight back from breast cancer.

Rosa Buchanan (79) has decorated the outside of her Bellingham house in aid of Tynedale Hospice at Home after she received help from its hospital transport service while receiving treatment for breast cancer three years ago.

She said: “When I was diagnosed with breast cancer it was a real shock and came completely out of the blue.

“My treatment involved daily trips to the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle for radiotherapy, but the thought of getting to and from the hospital was incredibly daunting.

“When I heard about Tynedale Hospice at Home’s hospital transport service through a friend, I thought I would see what they could offer and I am so glad I made the call.

“The volunteer drivers were an absolute godsend to me.

“The one to one attention they gave me was just incredible and I can honestly say I don’t think I would have got through my treatment without them.

“They literally helped save my life. I can’t thank them or Tynedale Hospice at Home enough.”

The sparkling display includes a Nativity scene, Father Christmas with his reindeer, numerous snowmen and a real Christmas tree.

The festive extravaganza will be on display until the New Year and Rosa is hoping that visitors to the display will make an online donation to Tynedale Hospice at Home.