'Heroic' girl, 3, to switch on Christmas lights

An "inspirational" three-year-old girl receiving palliative cancer care has been chosen to switch on her town's Christmas lights.

Lilith, from Kettering in Northamptonshire, has neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that affects nerve cells in young children.

She was selected to turn on the town's Christmas lights on 26 November after being nominated by members of the public.

Lilith's mother, Ivy-Rose, described her as a "shining light of hope", adding that her daughter had shown "strength and bravery" throughout her illness.

"She has endured so much over the past two years, and even now, at the end of her life, she is still smiling, laughing and running around," she said.

"Lilith has been an inspiration to everyone she meets. She is a shining light of hope in a world that can sometimes feel so full of darkness, along with every other child on that ward.

"They are all truly amazing little warriors. Some people go their whole lives without meeting their hero. I gave birth to mine," her mum added.

Lauren Glanfield, mayor of Kettering, said she had chosen Lilith to switch on the lights because of her bravery.

"Her family are on a mission to make memories and, as I believe Christmas belongs to the children, I have chosen this brave little girl to bring festive cheer to our town," she said.

The switch-on event, in Kettering Market Place, would be "an opportunity to reflect, look out for one another and share our hopes for the future," she added.

It will feature a 30ft (9.1m) Christmas tree, a lantern parade, music and gift stalls.

The event will also have a dedicated, quieter area for those with special educational needs and disabilities on Sheep Street.

It will run from 16:00 to 19:30 GMT.

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