Brave seven-year-old chosen to turn on lights on Rotary Tree of Joy

MEDIA RELEASE: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not Bailiwick Express, and the text is reproduced exactly as supplied to us

A chronically ill boy with a life-limiting heart condition will turn on the lights on this year’s Rotary Tree of Joy.

Jake Guy, a pupil at Hautes Capelles Primary School, has congenital heart disease and has undergone several major heart operations during his short life. His condition means that he is 100% dependent on a pacemaker.

This summer Jake, seven, spent six weeks in hospital after developing septicaemia and endocarditis.

‘He really is chronically unwell. Jake has no natural heartbeat and therefore relies entirely on his pacemaker,’ said his mother, Holly Guy.

‘He was absolutely thrilled when we told him he had been chosen to turn on the lights on the Tree of Joy, he’s beyond excited. I’m just so pleased for him because he’s had a really, really tough year.’

Jake will attend a special reception on the balcony at Longport Property Services before he presses the button to switch on the lights at 6pm on 28 November. Watching him will be his mum, Holly, dad, James Le Flem, three-year-old brother Isaac, grandparents Jill and Chris Guy and his Aunty, Ellie Guy.

Also attending will be Bailiff Richard Collas, who last weekend put the star on top of the 110ft-high illumination, which has become the iconic symbol for the Rotary Club of Guernsey’s Tree of Joy initiative.

The Tree of Joy on the Weighbridge roundabout, which is the tallest light tree in Europe, was first put up in 2005 and each year, a new addition has been made. This year, new signage has been added featuring presents, which will be illuminated at the base of the tree.

The illuminated structure on the Weighbridge roundabout, which is sponsored by Sure, Long Port and Deutsche Bank, is the height of an 11-storey building. It is turned on two days before Father Christmas’ visit on 30 November, when the main lights throughout Town will be switched on.

‘The Rotary Tree of Joy allows generous islanders to buy a gift for deserving children within the Bailiwick. We are honoured to have a child as deserving as Jake to turn on the lights this year,’ said Rotarian John Hollis.

‘I have no doubts that islanders will be just as generous with their donations this year. Since the initiative was launched we have helped deliver nearly 10,000 presents, which is just fantastic. The challenge for this year is to provide nearly 700 presents, one of the highest figures in the Tree of Joy history.’