TWO brave youngsters battling through serious health problems will be the stars of Cardwell Garden Centre’s Christmas lights switch-on celebrations.
Jon Jai Stanton, aged 12, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for blood cancer, and seven-year-old Aria Mearns, who has suffered severe eczema since she was a baby, have been chosen for the event.
They will do the festive honours on Thursday (7 November) at 6pm, at the outdoor shrub area next to the Patio Café, as part of Cardwell’s Christmas lights switch-on and shopping event from 5pm till 9pm.
The Gourock garden centre had asked people to nominate deserving youngsters to be the special guests on the night.
Jon Jai, from Greenock was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma earlier this year and is presently receiving six rounds of chemotherapy, with each round lasting five days at a time.
Family friend Gillian Watson nominated Jon Jai. She said: “I am astounded by the heroism Jon Jai has shown in such difficult times –- especially for such a young boy.
“He has been so brave and strong through the many hospital visits for chemotherapy and the sickness and hair loss that goes with the treatment. He is an inspiration.
“Being chosen to switch on the Christmas lights is a wonderful treat for him and his family giving them such happy memories during a very difficult time.”
Jon Jai’s mum, Angela said: “We’re very proud of Jon Jai, as he has been amazing through it all and is helping the rest of the family cope with what’s happening.”
Aria Mearns, from Greenock was nominated by her mum, Lesley, who revealed her daughter has suffered severe eczema since she was only four months old.
When Aria’s eczema flares up it causes cracks in her skin that can lead to infections. On several occasions Aria has been admitted to hospital for treatment to these infections.
Lesley explains: “Aria has battled with eczema since she was a baby and it affects so many aspects of her life.
“She has had to miss out on a lot of things other kids do, which is very difficult at her age.
“Aria has to use creams and ointments every day and wears medical gloves when she goes to school.”
Last year, Aria was chosen by the Eczema Outreach Support charity to be the face of their fundraising campaign and she completed a five-kilometre sponsored walk raising more than £550 for the charity.
Lesley added: “Aria’s a brave wee soul considering everything she has to put up with. The chance to switch on the Cardwell Christmas lights means the world to her and will make her feel so special.”
During the event, a DJ will play festive hits, the Ardgowan Hospice Singers will be performing carols and Christmas songs; there will be a face painter and a Salvation Army Band.
Cardwell’s retail general manager, Paul Carmichael said: “We’re really looking forward to our Christmas lights being turned on by Jon Jai and Aria.
“I hope the two youngsters enjoy being our festive celebrities for the night and lots of people come along to see them get Christmas off to a cracking start.”
