YOUNG heart patients at the Freeman Hospital are huge heroes for the daily battles they endure.
That is why bosses at the Metrocentre have decided to give them the honour of switching on the Christmas lights this year, making them the true celebrities for the night.
It is the first time in 25 years that the Gateshead shopping complex has decided against inviting a celebrity guest from the world of showbusiness to turn on the festive display, and the youngsters can’t wait.
Six youngsters from across the North who have each endured life-saving surgery at the hospital’s heart unit have been picked to press the plunger at the annual switch-on, which takes place at the centre from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday.
Father Christmas, the Metrognomes, a school choir and Alvin and the Chipmunks – two of the stars of this year’s pantomime at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle – will also be on hand to help the children with their official duties.
Karen Carr, marketing director of the Metrocentre said: “We have over the last 25 years enjoyed the company of many famous celebrities to launch Christmas and officially turn on our lights, ranging from Mr Blobby, who caused chaos, to stars from Emmerdale, Coronation Street, Big Brother, the X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing.
“They have all proven to be very popular with our shoppers but rather than pay for a celebrity this year we are going to donate that money to the Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF).
“Some of the children from CHUF will be coming down to switch on our lights and there will be lots of opportunities to help raise funds on the evening.
“The CHUF motto is ‘From kind hearts, grow healthy hearts’ so with the public’s support let’s make this work for them.”
One of the youngsters who’ll be switching on the lights is Sebastian Hollingsworth, of Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, who had surgery to correct the congenital heart defect Tetralogy of Fallot at the age of 16 weeks.
His father Ivan, 35, a pharmaceutical rep, said: “This is a big gesture by the Metrocentre.
“Seb is quite little – he’s three in January – and I don’t think he’ll fully understand what’s going on, but he’ll love the attention and seeing Father Christmas.”
