A little girl living with a rare and aggressive form of cancer helped add some festive cheer to Durham City.
Bonnie-Leigh Spence and her sister helped light up the County Hall Christmas Tree, helping to spread festive sparkle to all those who pass by.
Durham County Council’s Vice-Chairman, Cllr Jackie Teasdale, invited five-year-old Bonnie, from Consett, to switch on the lights after hearing of her courage and determination throughout her cancer treatment.
Bonnie was diagnosed with the disease shortly after turning five last December and has since undergone several gruelling rounds of chemotherapy as well as major surgery to amputate her left arm from above her elbow.
Although she can no longer have any further treatment, her family are determined to make every day the best it can be for her, and Bonnie continues to smile and lift everyone’s spirits through everything that she faces.
Cllr Teasdale said: “It was such an honour to meet Bonnie and her family. The courage shown by the whole family as they cheer Bonnie on and do all they can to make every day special, is incredibly moving.
“Bonnie is a very special little girl, and we’re delighted that she has done us the honour of switching on our Christmas tree lights. It’s very fitting that someone who lights up the room is also lighting up our Christmas tree and helping to spread joy to those visiting or passing County Hall in the run up to Christmas.”
Bonnie was joined at the switch-on by her dad Iain, step-mum Caroline, and her siblings, two-year old Alistair and Jennifer, who’s nine. Her step-grandparents were also on-hand to cheer her on and mark the special moment.
Caroline said: “Bonnie has been so excited to switch on the lights. She has always wanted to be famous so it’s very special to her to have this opportunity to press the button.
“It’s also a wonderful experience for us as a family. We really are so proud of Bonnie, and to be here, together, celebrating something that Bonnie loves and seeing her so happy is a memory we will be able to cherish forever.”
Caption 1: Cllr Jackie Teasdale with five-year-old Bonnie and her sister, Jennifer.
Caption 2: Bonnie turning on the Christmas tree lights.
Caption 3: Cllr Jackie Teasdale (left) with Bonnie and her family: (left to right) step-mum Caroline, brother Alistair, dad Iain, Bonnie, sister Jennifer, and step-grandparents Karen and Graham.
