It would be a dream come true for our latest shining star to switch on Accrington’s Christmas lights. Patrick Batt, 20, was diagnosed with autism when he was 15, after years of being treated for another condition.
Patrick lives in Cliff Street, Rishton and works a few hours a week at His and Hers Hair Salon in Accrington.
He was nominated by his mum Patricia who said he would be delighted if he won the chance to switch on the Christmas lights.
We have launched our Light Up the Town Appeal to find a youngster who has overcome adversity to take on the honour.
Mum Patricia, of Roe Greave Road, Oswaldtwistle, said: "Patrick is very good about work and is always punctual. He has always wanted to work in a hair salon.
"He has really turned his life around. He went to 12 schools during his school years and that really impacted him badly.
"He lives on his own and has carers that come in daily. Things haven’t been easy for him but he has never given up." Patricia, 48, said her son has always wanted to switch on Christmas lights following a trip to Blackpool.
She said: "When Patrick was about eight or nine, we were visiting Blackpool Illuminations. He kept asking when the lights would be switched on while we were driving around. We turned a corner and he snapped his finger and the lights came on simultaneously. He was so excited. It was magical.
"Turing on the lights would be a dream for him. He is an amazing lad."
The special star will be picked when a panel made up of Observer Editor, Gareth Tidman, Coun Clare Pritchard and Coun Pam Barton, meet to review the entries in early November.
To nominate your Christmas star, tell us why they should switch the Christmas lights on by emailing accringtonobserver@menmedia.co.uk, by writing to Accrington Observer, Mitchell Henry House, Hollinwood Avenue, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 8EF, or by dropping in your entry to the Accrington Observer office in Accrington Market Hall.
