A FAMILY have decorated their house this year in memory of their sister Sue Hughes, who died from a brain tumour at the age of 55.

Husband and wife Teresa and Jason Smith from Woburn Sands, Buckinghamshire are bringing festive cheer to their neighbourhood whilst raising money for a charity close to their hearts.

More than 20 sets of lights are on display outside their home, which their neighbours can enjoy whilst sipping on hot chocolate or mulled wine in exchange for donations to the charity Brain Tumour Research.

READ MORE: 9 pictures of the most festive houses around High Wycombe

The festive display involves a snowman, penguin and Nutcracker inflatables, gingerbread people, Father Christmas, candy canes, toadstools, a Victorian lamp-post decorated with a red bow, a giant stag and other animals including hedgehogs, birds, a fox, dog and hare.

The pair have dedicated their display to Teresa’s older sister, Sue Hughes, who died in November 2015, just three weeks after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour known as glioblastoma (GBM).

She was 55-year's-old.

Teresa, a restaurant worker at Woburn Sands Emporium, said: “Sue was like a second mum to me. When we were younger, she’d pick me up from school and take me shopping whenever Mum was at work. She was so caring towards children and just a relaxed, calm, placid person who took everything in her stride.”

Her late sister Sue worked in catering and as a nursery assistant before realising her dream of opening a dress shop.

It is only when she went for a check-up after suffering with tiredness and headaches that her butterfly-shaped brain tumour was discovered.

Mum-of-three Teresa, whose father-in-law is also now undergoing treatment for a brain tumour, said: “We’ve put on Christmas lights in Sue’s memory for the last six years. She adored penguins so we’ve got lots of them – that’s how it all started really.

“Our neighbours love it, especially the ones with children. We do it to raise money for the charity and usually get £150-£200, but I love the fact it’s so magical for youngsters. Sue was a childminder and looked after my children, so I know she’d approve.”

Community development manager for Brain Tumour ResearchCharlie Allsebrook said: “Teresa and Jason have created an idyllic winter wonderland, which seems to get bigger and better each year and is a lovely festive fundraiser. We’re really grateful for their continued support and wish Jason’s dad all the best with his ongoing treatment.

“Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet, historically, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. We’re determined to change this but it’s only by working together that we will be able to improve treatment options for patients and, ultimately, a cure.”