An eight-year-old boy who saved his mother’s life has been selected to ‘Light up Loughborough’ and switch on the town’s Christmas lights in front of thousands of spectators.
Jacob Varley-Issitt, from Loughborough, was named the winner of Charnwood Borough Council’s annual Light Up Loughborough competition and will take centre stage at the festive celebration on Friday, November 28.
Picture credit: Charnwood Borough Council
Jacob was chosen for his quick-thinking and courage earlier this year when his mother, Hollie, suddenly collapsed from sepsis shock. Acting fast, Jacob called an ambulance and calmly let paramedics into their home so they could treat her. Hollie has since made a full recovery.
The news was delivered during a surprise assembly at Cobden Primary School on Friday, November 14, with the Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr David Northage, and Cllr Jennifer Tillotson in attendance.
“It was a big shock to find out that I had won,” Jacob said. “I went to the switch-on last year and there were a lot of people there. I’m really looking forward to switching on the lights in front of my family and friends.”
Jacob was entered into the competition by his grandmother, Tracey, who praised his bravery. “His mummy wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for him,” she said. “He’s our superhero.”
His mother, Hollie, said she “couldn’t be happier” for her son. “He’ll never know how grateful I am that he called the ambulance for me. It’s going to be fantastic when he switches on the lights.”
In a heartwarming twist, Jacob is following in the footsteps of his father, Chris, who switched on Loughborough’s Christmas lights as a four-year-old in 1988. “I was shocked but so pleased to hear that Jacob had won,” Chris said. “He’ll do an amazing job and I can’t wait to see it.”
Cllr Tillotson, part of the judging panel, said Jacob’s bravery stood out. “Picking a winner is always difficult, but Jacob’s story was remarkable. I’m sure he will have a fantastic time.”
Mayor Northage added: “There are a lot of brilliant children in Charnwood, and Jacob is one of them. It is a pleasure to give him this opportunity.”
As part of his prize, Jacob will receive tickets to the Loughborough Town Hall pantomime, Cinderella, and a £50 Love Loughborough voucher.
Loughborough’s Christmas lights switch-on event begins at 4pm on November 28 in the Market Place, featuring stalls, food and drink, fairground rides, live performances, and a Santa’s grotto. The stage will be hosted by local radio station Fosse 107, with support from headline sponsor BRUSH. The lights are scheduled to be switched on at around 6:30pm.
