Young cancer patient to switch on Christmas lights

The family is looking forward to starting off Christmas in a special way

A young boy who was diagnosed with bone cancer earlier this year has been chosen to switch on his hometown's Christmas lights.

Oliver from Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, will turn on the lights at the Market Square on Sunday.

The seven-year-old and his family spent last Christmas in Birmingham Children's Hospital, with a suspected infection, but in January he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma.

His mum, Laura, said she was "excited" for the lighting ceremony but described the family's year as "horrendous" and admitted they were "still processing it".

Ross Town Council said it received an overwhelming number of nominations for Oliver to be its "switch-on star".

He was chosen by the Christmas Fayre sponsors REHAU, Taylor Wimpey and Dawley's, which said: "Having undergone treatment for bone cancer at such a young age, his bravery and strength stood out.

"After spending the 2024 festive period in hospital, it is hoped that being picked to switch on the town's Christmas lights will provide an extra special festive season for him to enjoy this year."

Oliver's birthday on New Year's Day, was also spent in hospital

A spokesperson for the council said inviting a local hero instead of a celebrity or politician to switch on the lights was "a wonderful way to support our community".

They added: "Our Switch-On Star scheme plays a big part in this, bringing people together and spreading festive magic in the most meaningful way."

Oliver has been receiving chemotherapy since January and underwent surgery on a leg in July.

His mum said the latest test results suggested the worst was over and "he's on maintenance now until late March, early April".

Oliver's sister Lily (left) will be going on stage with her brother

Oliver's sister Lily will be going up on stage with him for the big switch on and said: "I get to see him press the big button.

"[Last year] it felt like it wasn't Christmas, that it was just like a normal day."

The Ross Christmas Fayre runs on High Street on Sunday 30 November from 11:00 to 17:00 GMT, with the lights switch on at 16:30.