A RETIRED couple who have spent thousands of pounds turning their home into a winter wonderland are throwing open their doors to raise money for a sick baby.

Pam and Vic Norris, who are both 60 and live at 20 Roding Lane North in Woodford Bridge, have been decorating their home every Christmas for the last 21 years.

And this year they are turning their obsession with the season of goodwill into a fundraiser for 11-month-old Evie Shears who was born with brain damage, has cerebral palsy and is undergoing chemotherapy for cancerous tumours in both her eyes.

Mrs Norris said: “Anyone is welcome to come in as long as they make a donation to Evie.

“She’s a beautiful little girl. Her mum and dad are friends of ours and we want to do everything we can to help them.”

As well as the flashing lights on the outside of their house, the Norris’ have spent weeks decking every room with garlands, Christmas characters and even animatronic reindeer.

“We must have spent about £10,000 on all the decorations down the years," said Mrs Norris.

"I used to put a talking tree in the toilet, but that startled Vic when he popped to the loo in the night, so we’ve given it a miss this year.

“There are plenty of other things to see though. The children love it, we hope parents will bring them along.”

Mr Norris, who is often dressed as Father Christmas during December, met Evie’s mother Aimey when the two were working in the drama department of West Hatch High School in Chigwell.

“That little girl and her family have gone through so much this year,” he said.

“For a baby so young to have to endure all those hours of chemotherapy – it just breaks your heart.

“I hope we can raise a bit of money to help the family.”

And Mrs Norris added: “I had breast cancer three years ago and Aimey was tremendously supportive.

“I can’t imagine how hard it is for them to cope and if we can do a little bit to help, then we are more than happy.”

Anyone is welcome to visit the Norris’ Christmas wonderland. Simply knock on their door between 3.30pm-5.30pm on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

All money collected will go towards providing specialist treatment, sensory equipment and toys for Evie as well as helping with travel costs for mum Aimey and dad James.

Read more about Evie at enablingevie.co.uk