A CARING auntie from Newport has put a stunning Christmas lights display outside her house to raise funds for the hospice that is looking after her great nephew.

Tracy Stokeswhiting, of Pilton Vale, in Malpas, has always loved Christmas and used to put a big display outside her house regularly to raise funds for charity.

The 56-year-old stopped putting a display a few years ago - but started doing it again last year to help her family.

Her display is now back up, with 11 new lights added.

Mrs Stokeswhiting’s great nephew, Percy, who is now 18-months-old, was born with severe brain damage due to a lack of oxygen at birth.

He also has cerebral palsy.

She said: "He has a short life span – if he contracted pneumonia it could kill him.

“He has no life, he will never walk or talk and is blind. He can hear but that is about it.”

Mrs Stokeswhiting said Percy, from Essex, receives respite care from Little Havens hospice, as well as having a nurse from the hospice taking him to swimming.

“Last year, we raised £2,000 in four weeks for the hospice,” she said. “This year, I would like to raise £5,000.

“We raised £800 on a Hollywood-themed ladies night on Saturday already.”

Mrs Stokeswhiting said they are trying to raise as much as they can.

“Until something happens to you, you don’t realise how hard it can be for a family,” she said.

The display outside 255 Pilton Vale will be on every day between 5.30pm and 8.30pm. There is no charge for entering the garden, but a donation is encouraged.

Santa will be visiting the display on Sunday, December 10, and on Monday, December 18, between 5pm and 7pm. Belle from Beauty and the Beast will also be there. Meeting Santa is £3.50 per child, with each child receiving a present.

Mrs Stokeswhiting is also holding a raffle, with prizes including a game of golf at the Celtic Manor and £100 worth of garage services. Tickets can be bought at their home or at her shop, La Belle Femme Boutique, in Commercial Street.

All proceeds raised will go to Little Havens hospice, in Essex.