Hucknall boy who beat cancer chosen to switch on spectacular Christmas at Wollaton light show

Seven-year-old Jake Barksby, of Tavistock Close, will be the guest of honour for the private opening ceremony of Christmas at Wollaton on Thursday, December 3.

Mum Nicola said: “Jake loves Christmas and December 3 marks a year to the day since his final dose of chemotherapy so this means more to us then you can imagine.

“I’m so excited for him to have been given this amazing opportunity. Jake really is our shining star after everything he has been through, he continues to smile and stay positive.”

Edgewood Primary School pupil Jake was diagnosed with testicular cancer in early 2019 and underwent numerous operations and scans before starting a 22-week course of chemotherapy. He was given the all clear in January.

Throughout his cancer journey, Jake, Nicola, his dad Adam and 12-year-old sister, Hollie have raised more than £6,000 for the children’s cancer ward E39 and its associated charity PASIC at the Queen’s Medical Centre.

They are also currently collecting donations of new toys and festive chocolate so that the young cancer patients can have a festive Christmas box delivered.

Nicola said: “Those children who continue to battle cancer daily, and those who have sadly lost their battles, are always in our thoughts.”

The Organisers of Christmas at Wollaton launched a county-wide search for a special person to flick the switch and received nominations for nearly 200 local heroes.

Notts TV presenter Owen Shipton selected the winner and said: “For Jake to show such bravery at such a young age was amazing. That he and his loved ones are now helping other families in a similar situation is really touching.

“All of the kind-hearted people on the shortlist showed staggering generosity, and clearly improved the lives of others at a time when so many are facing hardship.”

Christmas at Wollaton is a Covid-secure multi-sensory outdoor experience of light, fire and sound which puts a contemporary twist on the classic seasonal tradition.

The event runs until January 6, 2021. For more information and ticket booking, see christmasatwollaton.org.

“In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together.” – Nancy Fielder, editor.