AN "AMAZING" 11-year-old was invited to perform the Christmas light switch on in Seneley Green last week.

Kickstarting the festivities in the local community, the event took place at Seneley Green Community Hall on Friday, November 25.

Trinity Girls Brass Band accompanied singers from local Primary Schools to mark the occasion, while Cansfield High pupil Charlie Heslin was the main event in turning the community tree lights on.

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St Helens Star: Charlie turned the community Christmas lights on in Seneley GreenCharlie turned the community Christmas lights on in Seneley Green (Image: Tracey Heslin)

The 11-year-old was recognised for his charitable efforts to support his mum after she was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer aged just 32 in October 2020.

After learning of his mum's diagnosis, Charlie tried his best to keep positive and began collecting easter eggs for the people who cared for his mum, as well as other cancer patients, at the Lilac Centre in St Helens.

With his heartwarming appeal going viral on social media, the family received more than 700 donations of easter eggs back in March, which brought a smile to countless families who had been through a tough time.

St Helens Star: Charlie received more than 700 easter eggs to his appeak back in MarchCharlie received more than 700 easter eggs to his appeak back in March (Image: Tracey Heslin)

Following such a response to the appeal, Charlie is now repeating his project to collect selection boxes for cancer sufferers at the Lilac Centre this Christmas, as well as for further cancer hospices Christie's and Maggie’s Centres.

Tracey said her son was "over the moon" when he was asked to perform the festive light switch on and "felt like a celebrity" once the festivities commenced.

St Helens Star: Charlie is repeating his charity project following its success at Easter Charlie is repeating his charity project following its success at Easter (Image: Charlie Heslin)

The 34-year-old spoke of her pride in her son's actions, and said that her condition has remained stable for the time being.

Donating 40 selection boxes on behalf of Seneley Green Parish Council, Cllr Sue Murphy said: “What a wonderful young person Charlie is, doing such a wonderful thing for others."

St Helens Star: Charlie started the project to stay strong for his mumCharlie started the project to stay strong for his mum (Image: Tracey Heslin)

The collection points for the selection boxes are: 

  • Garswood Pharmacy, Billinge Road
  • Garswood Football Club, Garswood Road
  • Blue Bell Inn, Rectory Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield
  • Accord Legal Services, Garswood Street, Ashton-in-Makerfield
  • Brookland’s Childcare, Wigan Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield
  • 68 Birch Grove, Ashton-in-Makerfield, WN40QZ