A NINE-YEAR-OLD girl who has overcome life-changing surgery to become an ambassador for meningitis charities is to light up Christmas for many in Durham next week.

Tilly Lockey, of Consett, County Durham, lost both hands after developing Group b meningococcal septicaemia as a toddler in 2007.

Still just a little girl, she’s an ambassador for Meningitis Research and is one of the faces for The Meningitis Help Charitable Trust.

She’s also a dedicated fundraiser and has been hailed a fantastic example to her peers.

Tilly will flick the switch illuminating the Christmas trees on the County Hall roundabout, as well as the tree outside the building itself next Tuesday (December 2).

The youngster will be joined by her three sisters, Hermione, two, Lucy-Anna, six, and Tia, 11, as well as Durham County Council chairman, Cllr John Robinson.

Asked if she’d like to switch on the lights Tilly said: “Oh yeah, yeah, yeah please. I would love to do that.

“I can't wait to push the button and see the Christmas trees all light up and twinkle.”

Proud mother, Sarah Lockey, said: “Tilly continues to be an inspiration to all, but she is also just our little girl and she loves Christmas.

“They are all really looking forward to switching on the lights and they know how lucky they are to be asked.”

Cllr Robinson said: “Tilly is someone I have heard a great deal about and I am really looking forward to meeting her and her lovely family.

“It’s one thing to show the resilience she has shown and quite another to use that strength to help others.

“I hope as people pass the lights the youngsters switch on they will be touched by the spirit of Christmas and the special story behind this year’s event.”

To donate to Tilly’s appeal visit www.givetillyahand.com

For more information on Tilly’s story visit www.meningitis.org/book-of-experience/tilly-lockey-30250.