A SCHOOLGIRL who lost both hands after contracting meningitis at 15 months old has switched on a council’s Christmas lights.

Tilly Lockey, who had to have both hands amputated to save her life, pressed the switch at Durham’s County Hall tonight (Tuesday, December 2) to send festive illuminations flickering into life at Durham County Council offices across the county.

Before her big moment, the nine-year-old said: “I’m really excited.”

Since Tilly’s surgery, her family, from Blackhill, Consett, County Durham, have been raising money both to buy her special prosthetic hands and for other charities, including Meningitis Research.

Tonight (Tuesday, December 2), she was joined by her mother Sarah and sisters Tia, 11, Lucy-Anna, six, and Hermione, two, plus council chairman John Robinson and his wife Maxine for the switch-on ceremony.

Tilly is facing hospital tests on her spine, but Mrs Lockey said: “She’s doing really well.

“Overall she’s just a happy little girl. Nothing keeps her down.”

Asked what she would like for Christmas, Tilly said a Playstation Vita.

Asked whether she would like to switch on the lights, she 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.”

Councillor Robinson said he had heard a great deal about Tilly and was really looking forward to meeting her and her family.

In September, thieves stole three bicycles belonging to Tilly and her sisters.

They were quickly found and returned, but in the meantime Clearance Bargains in Stanley donated a replacement, which was adapted for Tilly by hospital experts.

Last month, a couple who had Tilly’s stolen bike in their house were spared prison.

To support Tilly’s appeal, visit givetillyahand.com

For more on her story, visit meningitis.org/book-of-experience/tilly-lockey-30250