Patients, visitors, volunteers and staff at Walsall Manor Hospital enjoyed a TREEmendous seasonal treat today when its Christmas lights were switched on as part of a packed Festive Friday of yuletide cheer.
Inspirational amputee Tommy Brown, 13, did the honours, joined by the borough’s Mayor and Mayoress following an uplifting performance from Great Barr Brass Band, singing sensation Shannon Harvey and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Choir.
Stephanie Cartwright, Group Director of Place (Walsall and Wolverhampton) at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, welcomed everyone to the switch-on and thanked its Well Wishers charity for organising the event.
The Mayor, Councillor Anthony Harris, said: “Tommy is here to help me today and we’re so pleased to see him.
“Well Wishers is one of my chosen charities and it’s a pleasure to support a cause that clearly shows the difference made to the patients who use the services of Walsall Healthcare. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff in the hospital and community for their hard work, compassion and care they provide to people across our borough and wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year. “
Tommy, said he “loved” pressing the switch to light up the Christmas tree.
“I loved doing this and I love Christmas, but it’s a secret as to what’s on my list!”
Tommy, who attends Streetly Academy, lost both his legs from the knee down and his right arm just below the elbow, all due to meningitis as a baby. He enjoys training sessions with former British lightweight boxing champion Martin Gethin, local hero and Well Wishers patron.
The lights switch-on was part of the Trust’s Festive Fridays which will also run on 13 and 20 December.
Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager, said: “Our first Festive Friday and lights switch-on was a lovely occasion and I’m sure it’s helped fill us with some pre-Christmas cheer. Thanks to Pelsall Ladies Choir and Alumwell Infants School, as well as Great Barr Brass Band and all our stallholders, for making today such a success.”