Post by SheWolf on Dec 10, 2006 17:11:35 GMT 1
From Leeds today
Service with a smile from brave Thomas
Child of Courage lights up church which resounds with favourite carols
By Stuart Robinson
A COLD and windy night in Leeds was lit up as one special boy ushered in the festive season at the YEP Carol Service.
Smiling Thomas Hume, 11, the YEP Child of Courage 2006, made his way down the aisle holding a candle at Leeds Parish Church last night to flick the switch on a beautiful display of festive lights.
The packed congregation heard that Thomas, of Balne Lane, Wakefield, was being recognised for his extraordinary spirit and passion for life.
The youngster was born with Di George Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder which left him with severe heart and immune system defects.
He underwent two major heart operations when he was two and has had years of subsequent therapy to boost his fragile immune system.
But this year Thomas bounced back to enjoy a hectic sporty lifestyle and become Wakefield Council's poster child for its summer cycling campaign.
After Thomas turned on the lights on a tree donated by Harewood House, other children came to lay their gifts at the base of the tree.
Thomas was also presented with a special gift of two computer games.
Guests included Chris Chittell – Emmerdale's Eric Pollard – who entertained the congregation with a reading adapted from the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol.
There were also readings by YEP Editor Paul Napier, YEP Deputy Editor Nicola Megson and the Deputy Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coun Jack Dunn.
Thomas's parents, Jo and Rick, who came along with his little sister, Lucy, were delighted to see his bravery recognised.
Jo said: "It was difficult to hold back the tears to be honest! We all absolutely loved it and we were really touched. I'm so proud of Thomas and it was a lovely service."
Rick added: "It was a magical evening and it's easy to see why it's such a popular service. Everyone has been lovely to us."
A beaming Thomas said: "I loved the service. My favourite part was the music and the singing from the choir."
Carols sung included Once in Royal David's City, Away in a Manger and Hark! the Herald Angels Sing played by the Yorkshire Evening Post Brass Band.
Service with a smile from brave Thomas
Child of Courage lights up church which resounds with favourite carols
By Stuart Robinson
A COLD and windy night in Leeds was lit up as one special boy ushered in the festive season at the YEP Carol Service.
Smiling Thomas Hume, 11, the YEP Child of Courage 2006, made his way down the aisle holding a candle at Leeds Parish Church last night to flick the switch on a beautiful display of festive lights.
The packed congregation heard that Thomas, of Balne Lane, Wakefield, was being recognised for his extraordinary spirit and passion for life.
The youngster was born with Di George Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder which left him with severe heart and immune system defects.
He underwent two major heart operations when he was two and has had years of subsequent therapy to boost his fragile immune system.
But this year Thomas bounced back to enjoy a hectic sporty lifestyle and become Wakefield Council's poster child for its summer cycling campaign.
After Thomas turned on the lights on a tree donated by Harewood House, other children came to lay their gifts at the base of the tree.
Thomas was also presented with a special gift of two computer games.
Guests included Chris Chittell – Emmerdale's Eric Pollard – who entertained the congregation with a reading adapted from the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol.
There were also readings by YEP Editor Paul Napier, YEP Deputy Editor Nicola Megson and the Deputy Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coun Jack Dunn.
Thomas's parents, Jo and Rick, who came along with his little sister, Lucy, were delighted to see his bravery recognised.
Jo said: "It was difficult to hold back the tears to be honest! We all absolutely loved it and we were really touched. I'm so proud of Thomas and it was a lovely service."
Rick added: "It was a magical evening and it's easy to see why it's such a popular service. Everyone has been lovely to us."
A beaming Thomas said: "I loved the service. My favourite part was the music and the singing from the choir."
Carols sung included Once in Royal David's City, Away in a Manger and Hark! the Herald Angels Sing played by the Yorkshire Evening Post Brass Band.