THIS Christmas looks to be a very exciting one indeed for two-year-old Harvey Evans, who has been voted the Grimsby Telegraph's Local Hero 2013 and given some promising news by doctors.
The tot, who had to have his kidney removed after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, has been given the all-clear by medics – just days before being told he will switch on the Christmas lights in Grimsby this year.
Mum Katie, 27, of Little Michael Street, said: "He's only two so he's very excited, but not entirely sure what he's excited about!
"He knows he's going to meet Santa and he's been telling everybody he's going to turn the lights on.
"We're all so happy.
"He's just been given the all-clear by doctors, which is the best news we could have wished for.
"It's all been such a whirlwind. We can't believe he's been diagnosed, treated and given the all-clear in just four months."
There were dozens of nominations for the title of Local Hero this year, but Telegraph readers felt Harvey deserved the accolade the most.
He will ride with Father Christmas in his sleigh tomorrow night before flicking the light switch at 7pm and marking the start of the festive season in Grimsby.
The brave tot will be joined by his brother, Ethan, 5, when he illuminates Top Town as part of The Big Christmas Event 2013, which takes place tomorrow and Friday.
Katie said: "We can't believe so many people voted for him.
"It's such an honour and we'd like to thank everybody who has made this possible for him.
"Ethan can't wait for Thursday and the first thing he said when we told him was that he's so happy for Harvey.
As reported, Harvey was happy and healthy until July 6 this year when he suddenly started screaming and clutching his stomach.
He was rushed to the emergency department at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital, where he was diagnosed with constipation and prescribed laxatives.
But with Harvey still in terrible pain, Katie took him back to hospital the following day where a consultant ordered an urgent ultrasound and a tumour was discovered.
He was transferred straight to Sheffield Children's Hospital in an ambulance; and diagnosed with a Wilms Tumour – which affects just 70 children in the UK each year.
Harvey has since undergone a four-hour operation to remove his kidney, an operation to remove his front teeth to prevent an infection and intense chemotherapy.
Michelle Lalor, editor of the Grimsby Telegraph, said Harvey is a worthy winner.
She added: "Everyone at the Grimsby Telegraph is absolutely thrilled that little Harvey will be taking centre stage tomorrow.
"In his young life he has overcome more than most do in a lifetime, and the support from his family and friends has obviously been magnificent. We hope he has a fantastic time."
Your guide to everything you need to know about the start of the festive season is free inside The Midweek Guide, which you'll find in the middle of today's Grimsby Telegraph. Also turn to page 17 for money-saving coupons you can use tomorrow.
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