Coach driver Geoffrey Simpson wants to steer children towards his Christmas lights to raise money for the leukaemia ward at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital.

Since 2001, Mr Simpson, 58, from Long Hanborough, near Witney, has covered his house with thousands of lights and he now has a collection of 10,000.

Hundreds of families visit the lights every year and Mr Simpson asks them to make a donation to leukaemia ward 5E after they have visited his Santa’s Grotto.

Mr Simpson’s son, Darryll, 36, was treated for the blood disorder at the ward and the annual displays started soon afterwards.

Mr Simpson’s other son, Ryan, became a stem cell donor, and Darryll is now in remission.

Mr Simpson said: “I will never forget what the staff on the ward did for Darryll — they looked after him so well and did a brilliant job.

“He has had a few setbacks over the years, but now he is doing fine and has gone back to work as a roof tiler.”

Mr Simpson said he hoped this year’s light show would raise about £2,000 to add to the £22,000 raised so far.

He added: “I’m getting ready for this year’s switch-on at 6pm on November 30.

“I have bought a roundabout and Ferris wheel from America and I have also got a Jesus nativity scene.

“Singer Zoe Mace is a friend of the family and I am hoping she will come along on the night and sing some carols.

“Hundreds of people turn up here every year and some of them come from miles away.

“One year there was even a TV crew from Germany.”

He added: “It is a great cause and I hope as many people as possible come along and make a donation.”

Janet Sprake, hospital fundraising manager, said: “We are delighted the Simpson family are continuing to support ward 5E with their inventive and festive fundraising. It is inspiring to see them respond in such a positive way.

“Fundraising for the hospital can make a real difference – bringing facilities that are beyond the means of NHS funds to patients and their families and we thank them for their seven years of continued efforts.”

A couple in Wood Farm, Oxford, have already a switched their lights on.

Pete Bonney, 69, and his wife Carol Ann, 60, decorated their home in Nuffield Road with an 8ft illuminated Santa Claus, a nativity scene and a Christmas tree.

Star and reindeer lights and an 8ft illuminated inflatable of Tigger complete the festive scene – along with Christmas carols piped through speakers.

The Bonneys have been decorating their home for the past four years in support The Gap project in Oxford, which helps the city’s homeless. The couple also collect blankets and food.