A NINE-YEAR-OLD who was diagnosed with leukaemia did the honours of turning on the Christmas lights in Newton-le-Willows last night.

The community came together to watch Alex Johnson, from Park Road, press the button to switch on the Christmas lights on Newton High Street.

Thousands had attended the high street’s Christmas Markets earlier in the day before making their way down to St Peter’s Church where the festive tree was ready to be lit at 5pm.

Alex, who is turning ten this month, has faced challenges over the years as he battled leukaemia following his diagnosis in 2019 at the age of six.

St Helens Star: Alex was diagnosed whilst on a family holiday in Anglesey Alex was diagnosed whilst on a family holiday in Anglesey (Image: Michelle Johnson)

He has since received a bone marrow transplant after a relapse.

READ > Community rallies to support brave boy, 9, battling leukaemia

Michelle, Alex’s mum, said: "Alex felt nervous on arrival but seeing his wonderful school friends all gathered around the button, gave him a boost to switch the lights on, with assistance from his friends.

"We are always so grateful to the community of Newton le Willows for their ongoing support."

Prior to the switch-on, the Valley Brass Band marched down Newton High Street whilst performing a cover of Rudolph the Red nosed Reindeer.

Newton-le-Willows East Councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron MBE, added: "The turnout at our Christmas markets on Newton High Street was the biggest I’ve ever seen it; literally thousands turned out to enjoy the event.

"It couldn’t happen without good partnership working between the Council, the High Street Hive, St Peter’s Church and the local volunteers that help.

"Putting everything on the same day has become a massive success over the years since we did the first one around 2015.

St Helens Star: There was a round of applause as the Christmas lights were switched on There was a round of applause as the Christmas lights were switched on (Image: Seve Gomez-Aspron)

"Alex, who helped to switch on the school lights with his mates is a local lad who was sadly diagnosed with leukaemia in 2019 and has had a bumpy road over the last few years.

"He did a fantastic job to big cheers, but I’d encourage anyone interested in his story to google DKMS and register on the bone marrow donor register.

"It was a fantastic community day out, and the music from Valley Brass Band topped it off perfectly."

Following the Christmas lights switch on will be Newton’s Christmas Carol Singalong taking place at Mesnes Park next week.

For further information on the importance of giving blood and to register as a donor, visit https://www.dkms.org.uk/ and https://www.anthonynolan.org/.