Brave Sophie lights up Warrington

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BRAVE schoolgirl Sophie Fleming, who has battled arthritis since she was two, lit up the town centre when she pushed the plunger at Warrington’s spectacular Christmas lights switch.
Sophie aged, 10, from Bewsey, was on stage with a host of children’s television stars and a Warrington world champion teenage beauty queen to kickstart a laser show before the festive lights came on to illuminate the town.
Sophie won a competition launched by Golden Square to find a deserving youngster to switch on the lights at the event which was attended by close to 3,000 people.
The community was treated to a host of brilliant performances from stars of the hit Nick Jr TV show Go! Go! Go! who helped host the night, Britain’s Got Talent finalist dancers Pre-Skool, teen singing sensation Zoe Unsworth and a breath-taking aerial hoop act.
Warrington Wolves’ new signing Ashton Sims was also welcomed to the stage where he was joined by 2014 Warrington Wolves captain Ben Westwood to show off the club’s brand new kit for next year.
There were also appearances from Captain Barnacles and Kwazii from the Octonauts and a visit from actors involved in this year’s Pyramid & Parr Hall pantomime Snow White.
Ian Cox, Golden Square Centre Director, said shortly after the finale laser and light show: “Tonight has been very special and a fantastic way for our community to come together and celebrate the start of the festive season.
“We have been building up to this evening for months and the team at Golden Square have been working round the clock this week to be sure it went off without a hitch.
“The result has been a wonderful evening of first-class entertainment which has all been provided for free for the community to come and enjoy.”
There in the VIP area to watch the entire show was winner Sophie who impressed judges with her no-nonsense and cheery attitude towards her difficult battle with arthritis which started when her parents noticed her limping as a toddler.
She has smiled her way through intensive treatment for the debilitating and painful joint inflammation disease which at times has resulted in her losing her hair, extreme vomiting, skin sores and dealing with the daily struggle of battling horrible pain in her knees and ankles.
The condition also affects the muscles at the back of her eyes so she is under constant monitoring for signs of her sight deteriorating.
The Bewsey Lodge Primary School pupil, a huge boxing and One Direction fan, refuses to let her condition get in her way – taking part in school sports days with gusto, following her favourite Warrington Wolves rugby team and even recently taking up a series of boxing exercise classes designed specially for youngsters.
She even goes into school half an hour early every day to ensure she keeps up with the work she misses when she has to go for her relentless series of hospital treatment sessions and check-ups.
Speaking after her starring moment on stage with the Go! Go! Go! Presenters and Teen Face of the World Caitlin Holmes, she said: “Going up on stage with Caitlin was my favourite bit of the night. I did feel a bit scared but also really excited and it was amazing to look out and see all the people there.
“I will remember this for the rest of my life and I feel like I have had a very big early Christmas present.”
Sophie was also treated to a special meet and greet session with the Go! Go! Go! gang and members of Pre-Skool prior to the performance, £100 worth of shopping centre vouchers and goodies from The Entertainer as part of her prize. She will also make a return visit to Golden Square later in the month as a special guest at Santa’s grotto.
Her Mum, Naomi Fleming, 37, a foster carer, who nominated her for the award, said: “It has been absolutely amazing, a very special night. The atmosphere has been incredible and the whole family was captivated. I don’t think any of the children have moved from where they were standing all night!
“I am very proud of Sophie and it was wonderful to see her up there on stage.”

Pictures show from the top Sophie Fleming coming on to stage to switch on the lights, Warrington Wolves’ new signing Ashton Sims modelling the new away kit and the crowd packed into Golden Square.

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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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