Meet the Christmas star who will switch on Cambridge’s festive lights
Sam Isaacson was surprised and delighted to learn that she has been selected to switch on the Cambridge Christmas lights after she was nominated in a competition.
The city’s big switch-on event, which is sponsored by the Cambridge Independent, will be in the market square on Sunday, (November 17) and Sam will be centre stage after winning the Star Radio competition.
She said: “I didn’t know anything about the nomination until the radio station rang and told me. I was totally surprised and I am delighted to be part of the event.”
Sam was nominated by her mum Sue as her daughter was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in March 2015 aged just 25.
Having played football for longer than she can remember and coaching both girls and women, Sam is well-known within women’s football in Cambridgeshire.
Sue said: “Sam is an incredible young woman and since hearing the words ‘you have cancer’, she decided to fight back and kick cancer and to raise money to support the life-saving treatment that the team at the oncology unit provides to people battling against the disease.
“Sam set up the Kick Cancer Cup, a ladies charity football match where over 500 people attend each year at Histon Football Club.
“Together with running the annual Kick Cancer Cup and hosting two charity balls, Sam has raised nearly £70,000 in the last four years for the oncology unit at Addenbrooke’s Hospital (ACT ). More recently the money raised has been split between ACT and the Arthur Rank Hospice. All this whilst undertaking cancer treatment, so far having endured over 90 rounds of chemotheraphy. Sam has carried on working for Gretton School in a role where she supports students with autism and Asperger’s syndrome. She also regularly plays football for her team, Fulbourn Bluebirds, and is an inspiration to everyone who meets her.”
Her mum’s nomination was supported by Bec Beattie, community fundraiser for Arthur Rank.
She added: “Sam is a truly inspirational young woman. In the past two years she has raised over £10,000 for the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and we could not be any more grateful for her support.
“We provide care and support for people living with life limiting illnesses and without the generosity and support of people like Sam we would not be able to continue to provide such services completely free of charge. For example, one night of our Hospice at Home Care for one patient costs £472, the funds Sam has raised could provide 21 nights of care.
“Not only has Sam raised a phenomenal amount of money, she has also raised awareness of the charity at her fundraising events.”
Organised by Cambridge BID thousands of people are expected to attend the festivities on Sunday.
Star Radio will take control of stage from midday, where there will be entertainment from schools, performing arts clubs, choirs and more.
As a special treat this year, The Rock Choir will be performing at 4.30pm.
The big Christmas switch-on timetable...
- 12pm: Netherhall School musical theatre
- 12.25pm: On Stage Performing Arts
- 12.50pm: Pauline Quirk Academy
- 1.15pm: Stagecoach Performing Arts
- 1.40pm: Icknield Primary School choir
- 2.25pm: Milton C of E Primary School choir
- 2.50pm: Razzamatazz Theatre School
- 3.15pm: Splitz Theatre Arts
- 3.40pm: Vocal Remix
- 4pm: Ballet Central
- 4.10pm: Cambridge Rock Choir – sing along
- 4.50pm: Mayor of Cambridge and Star Radio competition winner
- 5pm: The Big Switch On
Meanwhile, at the Grand Arcade, Star Wars star Warwick Davis will switch on the shopping centre lights at 4pm, following a programme of events.
Read more
Our guide to the Cambridge Christmas lights switch-on events
TV and film star Warwick Davis to switch on Grand Arcade’s Christmas lights
