Halloween house targets even bigger fundraising total

The end terrace on Oxford Gardens has "frightened" the kids of Stafford for the last few Halloweens

A family of Halloween enthusiasts are hoping to raise more than £2,000 for charity, with their spooky-themed house, to top last year's total.

Elliot Smith has decorated the outside of the Stafford house, built a witch's hut extension and opened the garden gate for visits by the public, for the last few years.

In 2024, Stafford trick-or-treaters visiting the Oxford Gardens property made a large contribution to Stafford-based charity, Childhood Cancer Parents Alliance.

"People love it," said Mr Smith. "Some people are scared and other kids absolutely love it."

Passers-by are welcome to explore the family's eerie garden during the half term holidays

Mr Smith started "going big" on their outdoor decorations for Christmas 2021, to raise the festive spirits of their young children and the wider community.

He and partner Tanya Quick, moved into the property that year and saw the potential to create something special on the end terrace.

Inspired by the positive feedback on the Christmas lights, they followed up with a spooky installation for Halloween and each year, the installations have grown.

'Funded four trips'

Passers-by give money through the donation box on the front wall or by scanning the QR code on the posters pinned to the gate.

Last year's Halloween total was just under £2,000 raised for the charity.

"It's amazing when anyone chooses to support us," said charity founder, Rachael Olley.

"We love our charity and we love our families," she said, having used the money to fund four trips for up to 20 families affected by childhood cancers.

Five local businesses donated supplies to Mr Smith to build a Santa's Grotto as part of last year's display

A further £3575 was raised at Christmas for this year's cause, Hearts & Hands, to provide food parcels and financial advice for working people who "need a bit of help".

Due to work commitments, Mr Smith could not complete the "scare maze" he created last year, but said this has not put off families, who have been visiting in their droves.

He promised that the display becomes even more frightening once night falls and the lights and projections are activated.

He challenged more families to come and take a look during the half term holidays, "if they dare...".

Work began on the witch's hut on October 6 and is the centre piece of the enormous installation