Grantham couple who have raised £5,500 for St Barnabas Hospice by decorating their home with Christmas lights launch this year’s display

A Grantham couple have, once again, decorated their house with Christmas lights for charity.

Stephen and Susan Storey officially launched their latest Christmas display at their home in Wentworth Drive.

The couple have used their annual festive display to raise money a total of £5,500 for St Barnabas Hospice at Grantham Hospital since 2019.

The hospice is close to their hearts, having looked after Susan's dad, Ron Wade, who passed away in the hospice unit aged 96 in November 2019.

Stephen spent the last week putting the lights up, ready for the official switch-on.

“I’ve learned my lesson,” he said. “When it’s a nice, dry week, put the lights up in November, because look what we’ve had since the weekend.

“When the grandchildren came along, we did it, then it grew and grew. Then, when Sue’s dad died of cancer, we thought we might as well collect some money.”

There is a collection box at the front for donations, and Stephen says he has some new additions to the display this year.

“I’ve got a new merry Christmas sign and Santa Claus climbing a ladder. He’s the star of the show,” continued Stephen.

He explained that all of the lights were LEDs, meaning that the electric bills are “not dear at all”.

“It doesn't shoot up more than the cooker does when it comes on,” added Stephen.