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An elderly woman has honored her late husband on her first Christmas without him by decorating a large tree they planted together decades agoChristopher Rowlands died from emphysema back in March“I’m decorating the tree in honor of Chris this year because he loved the spectacle,” widow Avril Rowlands said
A widow has honored her late husband this holiday season by decorating a Christmas tree they planted together over 40 years ago.
Avril and Christopher Rowlands of Worcestershire, England, planted an $8 fir to mark their first Christmas together in their new home back in 1979. The tree now stands over 50 feet tall, per SWNS.
The pair started decorating the tree with thousands of lights in 2004, and it soon became a well-known seasonal fixture for local residents and tourists alike.
Christopher died from emphysema back in March, and Avril, 80, has decided to keep the tradition going for her late husband.
“I’m decorating the tree in honor of Chris this year because he loved the spectacle,” she explained.
Tree in front of Avril Rowan’s home.
Emma Trimble/SWNS
“This year is going to be slightly different because we are using thousands of LED lights,” Avril continued.
“Last year’s Tungsten light bulbs were blown off (due to strong winds), but a local firm donated the LEDs, which are much sturdier,” she added.
Avril Rowan in front of her home in Inkberrow, England.
Emma Trimble/SWNS
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Around 2,000 people attended a tree-lighting ceremony this year, according to SWNS.
“People say that seeing the tree switched on is the start of their Christmas, which is just lovely,” Avril said.
“We never expected that when we moved in all those years ago and planted the tree in the garden that almost 50 years later it would still be going strong,” she added, referring to herself and her late love.
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Avril added that she and Christopher raised over $33,000 for charities over the years through donations from people who came to view their tree.
This year, Avril is raising money for Asthma + Lung UK as a tribute to Christopher.
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