More on KentOnline
A couple who have hosted a festive lights switch-on for three decades – raising thousands for charity – say this year will be their last.
It comes after grandad Kevin Green was told the devastating news that he is unlikely to make it to Christmas Day due to terminal cancer.
His daughter, Nichole Marney-Green, said: “I couldn't even tell you how we feel. It’s a lot.
“We're a really close family, so it's not been taken lightly. Generally he tries to be perky and he's still happy-go-lucky.
“I think he's come to terms with it now, whereas before he wasn't accepting it.”
Kevin was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009 but recently found further complications.
In September last year, he discovered he had kidney cancer and doctors made the decision to remove one.
Three months later, the 71-year-old was told he also had bladder cancer and treatment for this started in March.
However, the family found out this month that it was unsuccessful and it had spread to his liver.
The grandad is an avid petrolhead and used to work as a mechanic. He also ran a wedding car hire company, called Conamar Cars, but eventually gave it up due to his battle with the disease.
Nichole says they held their own Christmas Day last Sunday (November 24) as they are uncertain if Kevin will make it to the end of the month.
“It’s not looking likely” the mum-of-two explained. “We'll still get together, just as we always do, but it won't be the same.
“We're glad we had the news so we could get it done. We wouldn’t have coped otherwise.”
She added: “Mum and dad always go all out and buy everyone four or five presents each.
“We have a big family Christmas dinner, all sitting around one table. Then we play games.
“Dad enjoyed the day and just sat back and watched us.”
Kevin and his wife Pat have lived in Oak Drive in Larkfield for around 30 years.
Every year, they have done a switch-on display for their close friends and family.
In 2007, they decided to step it up a notch to raise money for charity.
The festive event has become so well-known that more than 150 people turn up to see the lights.
“They are Mr and Mrs Christmas of Larkfield,” Nichole said. “Everybody knows them as the Christmas house and they've always enjoyed it.
“It’s been that way ever since I can remember.”
The 30-year-old added: “When my dad used to do it on his own, he would probably start at the end of October.
“He'd spend every weekend doing it until the first weekend of December.
“My family now club together – my husband along with my brothers and sisters get it done throughout two weekends.
“Every year my mum buys more. I wouldn't be able to give you a number but they've got 25 electrical boxes that hold eight plug sockets each."
With this year being the last-ever switch-on, the couple wanted to go even bigger and sent out an appeal for help.
They have since received dozens of lights, which have been incorporated into the display.
In the last 12 years, the couple have been raising money for Cancer Research UK and donated more than £10,000 to the charity.
For one last time, they hope to add to the total again. Buckets will be placed outside for people to put cash in.
The Oak Drive switch-on is taking place today (December 1) at 6pm.