The girl turning on a town's Christmas lights

Meet Felicity - a nine-year-old girl who has been chosen to turn on her home town's Christmas lights after caring for both her parents during ill health.

"I get to press a big button," she says. "It'll be really cool, but I'll also be a bit nervous."

The Loughborough schoolgirl has been supporting her mother Karolin since a breast cancer diagnosis in 2020, alongside her older siblings Kelly, 21, and Cody, 23.

Felicity stepped up again in August to help her father Leon after he suffered a mini stroke.

The Thorpe Acre Junior School pupil said: "My mum had cancer, and she needed quite a lot of help, whilst she was recovering.

"I gave her her breakfast; I helped her with a few everyday things that she might need help with.

"I think it was quite special for her, because if you need help, I'll always be there."

As well as caring for her parents, Felicity has also been chosen to switch on the lights in recognition of her fundraising for the twin boys of a family friend.

Both have cerebral palsy, and need specialist equipment as well as treatments not available to them on the NHS.

Felicity raised more than £1,000 by cutting her hair, which was then donated to the Little Princess Trust to use in wigs for children who have lost their own hair.

Karolin nominated her daughter as part of Charnwood Borough Council's Light Up Loughborough competition.

She said: "She is like our happiness, and a little clown as well - always making my journey positive.

"And she never complained or asked for anything during my difficult time.

"My husband had a mini stroke in the summer, we thought we almost lost him, and she again helped me to look after her dad while he was resting.

"I am so proud of her and happy to have her in my life."

The news was revealed at a surprise assembly at her school, attended by the mayor of Charnwood, Dr Julie Bradshaw, and councillor Jennifer Tillotson.

Bradshaw said: "It was an honour to be on the judging panel - there are a lot of brave, brilliant and selfless children in Charnwood.

"Reading Felicity's story really moved me, and to be able to give her the opportunity to do something fun and exciting in front of so many people has given me a huge sense of pride."

Tillotson added: "Felicity's story stood out for the way she always seems to remain strong and positive, regardless of what adversity comes her way.

"At such a young age, that is so impressive."

Loughborough's lights switch-on event will be held in the town's Market Place from 16:00 GMT on 29 November.

Felicity will turn the lights on at about 18:30.

There will also be performances, a Santa's grotto, and an array of stalls, stands and rides.

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