A COUPLE from North Bradley raised over £1,000 for Dorothy House Hospice by turning their home into a festive light display over the Christmas period.

John Fullegar, 42, and Sarah Lowe, 30, of Ash Drive, decked out the exterior of their home with a colourful display of lights, penguins and singing Christmas trees, all in aid of the Winsley hospice.

The couple raised over £370 for Dorothy House last year but smashed that amount this year by raising a total of £1,218, which they presented to the hospice on Wednesday.

Mr Fullegar said: “We were delighted to raise that amount, it exceeded our expectations and it will all go towards a great cause.

“We must say a huge thank you to everyone who got involved and donated, it really means a lot.

“It was really popular last year which is why we decided to do it again this year, but we never expected to raise over £1,000.”

“Hopefully next year we will raise even more by including even more lights and songs for the display.”

The couple, who are engaged, set up a JustGiving page where people could make donations and also a text donation service.

They chose Dorothy House to raise money for as Miss Lowe’s gran received support from them after her husband died nine years ago.

On the same night as the Trowbridge Christmas light switch-on, they held an opening event which drew a crowd of around 40 people.

The LED lights for the display were ordered from China and the frames of the animals were from America.

Ellie Dale, community fundraiser for Dorothy House, said: “John and Sarah set up their fabulous Christmas lights to raise money for Dorothy House because they wanted to bring light to those in need of care.

“Every donation we receive makes a difference to people’s lives.

“All our services are provided free of charge and are only possible with the generous support of the community.

“If you would like to get involved and help support us in the future then do let us know.”

Mrs Dale can be contacted on 01225 721480.