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Young cancer patient to switch on Christmas lights

Kate JusticeRoss-on-Wye
News imageBBC A family of four sit on a sofa in a cosy, busy living room. All are smiling at the camera. On the left is a woman wearing a pale blue jumper. A young girl and a young boy sit next to her with a man on the right wearing a beige jumper.BBC
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."

News imageFamily A young boy sits in a hospital bed smiling at the camera. He's wearing a baseball cap and a grey vest with a large badge which says 7 today on it.Family
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".

News imageRoss-on-Wye Town Council Two children and a woman stand together in a medieval open fronted building. On the left is a 12 year old girl with brown hair in bunches and a pale grey hoodie. Next to her is a seven year old boy on crutches, with no hair, wearing a blue hoodie and a green coat. On his right is a woman with long brown hair and a long purple coat.Ross-on-Wye Town Council
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.

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