Twins bring ‘Lumos’ to Tree of Joy
Seven-year-old twins Ed and Sid Robilliard switched on the lights on the Tree of Joy on Friday, marking the 30th anniversary of the Rotary Club’s Christmas project.
The boys were chosen by the Guernsey Youth Commission’s Sunflower Project after their father, James, died in August at the age of 33, after being diagnosed with a brain tumour four years ago.
Mum Dawn said they were looking forward to the honour, although there was one slight let-down.
‘They were a bit disappointed that Santa was switching on the Town lights, but I said we have to let him have his moment,’ she said.
In October the twins threw themselves into helping at a fundraising cake sale in their dad’s name, organised by their grandmother Hayley Bull, which ended up raising more than £4,000 for the Brain Tumour Charity.
‘They are such lovely boys, they’ve been incredible, and after all their hard work at the bake sale it wasn’t a difficult decision,’ said Sunflower Project lead Izzy Moorshead.
As they waited for their big moment the boys were enjoying colouring inside PwC’s offices and while Sid was drawing a typical Christmas scene, Ed was busy writing magic words he had learned from Harry Potter, including, appropriately, the one which made light.
‘I’m very excited to switch on the lights,’ he said.
Sid was excited too and also for the next day’s events.
‘I’m looking forward to coming into Town to see Santa,’ he said.
As well as PwC, the Rotary Club’s Tree of Joy this year was sponsored by Butterfield and Savills, taking part for the first time.
‘It’s great to be involved and it’s a really fantastic initiative,’ said Savills’ director Nick Paluch. ‘It’s such an important part of Christmas.’
Inner Wheel gift coordinator Jocelyn Dorey said that all of the tags have now gone out, and this year had seen about a 10% increase on the number given out.
People were asked to wrap up a gift to the value of £30 and return it to the shop where they got the tag for the Rotary Club to arrange its distribution to children who might not be receiving many presents.
Soon it was time to go outside where the boys, a bit hesitantly, but nonetheless enthusiastically, pressed the button and lit up the tree.
