Oxton residents switching on Christmas lights for charity

Over the last few years, neighbours on Templemore Road in Oxton have put on a wonderful display of lights to raise money for charity and have chosen Clatterbridge Cancer Charity this year.

The official switch on of their lights is tomorrow (Saturday, November 23) at 6pm.

Each house will hang a QR code at the end of their drive/front door, which links directly to this just giving page - Clatterbridge Cancer Charity and Templemore Road, Oxton is fundraising for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.

Part of a festive display on Templemore Road in Oxton that will be switched on to raise money for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity on Saturday night (November 23) (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest) Among those ready for the switch-on is Barry Loftus, who was diagnosed with stage 3/4 prostate cancer and is being treated at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

The 65-year-old, who has lived on Templemore Road for 29 years, started feeling unwell and struggling with heat while on holiday in Santorini with friends and family. Barry's relative, a retired paramedic, urged him to go to the doctors, which led to him being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

He has decided to donate the proceeds of this year's fundraiser to the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity as a thank you for its support over the last seven years.

Barry Loftus at his home on Templemore Road in Oxton (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest) He told the Globe: "About six years ago, we decided that all the houses would decorate and raise money for charity. We just enjoy Christmas and love seeing people come into the road to see our light displays. We thought 'well, if we're going to decorate, let's raise money for good causes.

"We've had a couple of chosen charities and people have put the effort in, people come from afar to see the display and journalists come and interviewed us to promote the event. It's just got bigger and bigger.

"I chose Clatterbridge Cancer Charity this year and the neighbours have all accepted".

Barry Loftus at his home on Templemore Road in Oxton (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest) Recalling the circumstances that led to diagnosis Mr Loftus - who taught people with learning difficulties for 33 years and later worked for Marks & Spencer in Birkenhead and Bidston before retiring 16 months later to concentrate on getting well, said: "I had no symptoms, was in Santorini with my family and was feeling the heat, which I don't normally do when I'm abroad as I am usually quite good.

"I went to the doctors when I came home and within about 14 hours of having a blood test was called back to the doctors and told 'there's a 90% chance you've got prostate cancer'.

Barry Loftus in his garage that has been converted into a Christmas-themed workshop that will be open for viewing on Saturday in aid of Clatterbridge Cancer Charity (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest)

"I was just blown away by the fantastic treatment I underwent at Clatterbridge Hospital after I was diagnosed and wanted to raise funds as a thank you.

"I last went for an appointment in September and found out that the cancer has been contained. Whatever they're doing is right and I just have to get on with it.

"It doesn't change my life in anyway. I'm retired now and enjoying life.

"I just hope everybody enjoys the lights."

Part of a festive display on Templemore Road in Oxton that will be switched on to raise money for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity on Saturday night (November 23) (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest)