A COUPLE from Barton have raised £300 to help poorly babies at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital thanks to their annual Christmas lights display.

Martin and Debbie Scarrott, who live in North Way, raised the cash for SSNAP, the charity which supports the special care baby unit at the Headington hospital.

Mr Scarrott has transformed his garden into a winter wonderland for the past six years to raise money for a variety of different charities, including Help for Heroes and East Oxford children and young adults hospice Helen & Douglas House.

The 50-year-old said he chose SSNAP in 2015 because his two nephews, Curtis, five, and four-month-old Cody, had been treated successfully in the unit.

He added: “This £300 is a record for us to raise, which is good. A lot of people came by to see the display and donate money.

“I chose SSNAP because my nephews were cared for very well in there when they were born.

“Cody was born very small and was three weeks early, but the staff did a fantastic job and he came out quickly. I also chose it because it’s a local charity and you can see where the money is used and how much it means to them.”

The cash raised will be put towards purchasing equipment for the intensive care unit, such as specially-designed cots.

Mr Scarrott said he decided it would be worthwhile to donate to a cause after collecting various lights to decorate his garden during the festive season.

The Christmas display was open for visitors every day between 3pm and 10.30pm from November 21 until January 10.

Passersby could drop money in a tin outside the house or knock on the door.

Mr Scarrott said the largest single donation this year was an anonymous £40 handed over at the door.

Despite displays in previous years being vandalised, the couple have refused to be put off staging their annual show.

And already the grandfather has begun this year’s fundraising plans.

He added: “Last year went really well and we are definitely going to do it again.

“I think we are going to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which arranges experiences for children who have life-threatening medical conditions.”

Find out more about SSNAP and its work at the website ssnap.org.uk.