Starting the tradition last Christmas to raise money for the hospice after a challenging year, Mike Denaro decided to go "bigger and better" with his decorations on Fairman Drive this Christmastime.

At a personal cost of around £2,000, Mike spent around two weeks decorating his entire home with festive decorations and lights, and has added Christmas trees, snow machines, wishing wells and letter boxes to Santa complete the winter wonderland.

%image('13237554', type="article-full", alt="Mike's house is complete with decorations, lights, snow machines and Santa letterboxes")

He has also planned festive events where kids can come to see Father Christmas and the snow machine in action, as well as offering a collection of Christmas sweets and treats.

Mike, a graphic designer, said: "With the pandemic last year and the hospice struggling for fundraising, I thought what can I do to help and thought I would do something that my niece and nephews, and everyone else can enjoy.

%image('13237561', type="article-full", alt="Mike is raising money for Wigan and Leigh with his decorations")

"I thought I put extra decorations up and go a bit over the top, and I ended up going viral and raising £2,400 for the hospice."

Grateful of the "amazing care" of his Grandad in 2012, Mike suggests that his wonderland and fundraising has captured the community's attention as "everyone has got some connection with the hospice [...] and the great job they all do".

Aiming to beat last year's fundraising target, the community have come together to support Mike's project, with neighbouring houses also putting extra decorations up early and local supermarkets donating sweets to the house.

Explaining he now also volunteers at the hospice to offer his services as a graphic designer, Mike encourages residents to come and view his wonderland and donate what they can to the hospice so the hospice can continue their end-of-life care.

%image('13237565', type="article-full", alt="Santa's letterbox on Fairman Drive")

The first "snow show" with Father Christmas takes place at Mike's wonderland this weekend, with residents encouraged to park Pennygate Medical Centre car park, located around the corner, after 6pm to avoid congestion.

His future Christmas events are planned on his Facebook page here - which also gives residents the chance to donate to the hospice.

Mike added: "The lights are on constantly so there is an opportunity for everyone to come and take their pictures outside, and everyone has been loving it so far."