Inspirational twins chosen to switch on Loughborough’s Christmas lights

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Published: Tue 15th November, 2022

A set of inspirational twins have been chosen to light up Loughborough on Sunday, November 20 and turn on the town’s Christmas lights in front of thousands of people.

Katie and Emelia Corns, from Loughborough, were selected through the Light up Loughborough competition run by Charnwood Borough Council which also organises the lights switch-on extravaganza.

The nine-year-old sisters stood out to the competition judges for their story about how they have faced adversity in their young lives.

They were both born with a type of short limbed dwarfism called achondroplasia but they have not allowed it to hinder them and strive to do so much for charity and are always trying to help others.

Last year, they raised over £1,000 for the Dwarf Sports Association by taking on a sponsored swim and take part in the National Dwarf Games in Birmingham each year.

Katie and Emelia were surprised at their school’s assembly on Friday November 11 when they were told they would be lighting up Loughborough.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, the Council’s lead member for Loughborough, was part of the judging panel for Light up Loughborough. 

Cllr Bokor, said: “I want to thank everyone for their entries into the Light up Loughborough competition this year.

“It was an absolute pleasure to read so many inspirational stories about children across Charnwood and it was incredibly difficult to make a final decision.

“Katie and Emelia have faced so much in their lives but they are always thinking of others and trying to help, despite their own challenges. We felt they were very deserving to switch on the town’s lights.

“I am so excited to see them turn the Christmas lights on in the town and it will be fantastic to see them make memories which will last a lifetime.”

The twins’ mum, Jenny Corns, explained in the nomination that they “took everything in their stride when our lives revolved around the hospital” and “despite what they go through every day they always have a huge smile on their faces and try to help others at every opportunity.”

Katie and Emelia are also volunteers for the me&dee charity which work to give families who have life-changing or threating conditions the chance to make lasting memories by sending them on dream holidays.

Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Jennifer Tillotson surprised the twins at their school on Friday November 11 to tell them the exciting news that they will be lighting up Loughborough this year.

The sisters have also won a family ticket to this year’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty at Loughborough Town Hall and a £50 Love Loughborough voucher.

The Christmas lights will be switched on in Loughborough on Sunday November 20 which will be a day of festive fun.

The Market Place will host a wide range of stalls, food and drink stands and fairground rides from 11am and then from 1pm, a host of talented performers will be appearing on the main stage to entertain the crowds.

The lights will then be switched on at 5pm by Katie and Emelia.

The stage at this year’s Christmas lights switch-on will be hosted by Fosse 107.

You can find out more about the lights switch-on from our webpage or by following our social media channels @CharnwoodBC and use the hashtag #LboroLights22.