Stevenage Borough Council has apologised to Logan’s family after the teenager was “pushed to the back of the stage” during the Christmas lights switch on in the town
A 13-year-old boy was “pushed to the back of the stage” for a town’s Christmas lights switch on — despite being told he would press the switch alongside Santa.
Logan, who has nearly half a million TikTok followers, had been “used for publicity” after a poster for the event in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, stated he would be turning on the lights alongside Santa. However, his mum Gemma Keir said a different child pressed the button on the night itself.
Logan, who has special educational needs, was instead at the back of the stage and not even given a mention. It is reported he was so upset he was unable to sleep afterwards and kept asking whether he would be returning to switch on the lights.
“They started doing the countdown. They were counting the numbers and Logan was looking up at me saying ‘Where’s the button, mummy, where’s the button, where’s Santa?’. There’s all these people wearing gold chains standing in front of him and not one person has thought to acknowledge this child behind them. He was forgotten about,” Gemma said.
“Even Santa, he just didn’t have any acknowledgement for Logan at all. Logan was so upset. He didn’t sleep that night. He got up the next day and asked ‘When are we going back to press the button?'”
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Logan, from Stevenage, has 22q11 deletion syndrome, also known as DiGeorge syndrome, which can cause lifelong challenges, including heart defects and learning difficulties. He became excited about getting selfies with hip hop group So Solid Crew, who provided entertainment for the crowds, but was crushed when this didn’t happen.
Gemma complained to Stevenage Borough Council, which says it has now “triggered a full investigation”. Coleen De Freitas, a cabinet member at the authority, said: “It was not our intention to offend or ignore them, and for that I wholeheartedly apologise on behalf of the council.”
The teenager has been offered the opportunity to turn on lights by other councils in the county. However, his mother said while it was a “really nice gesture,” Logan was “meant to do his own hometown”.
Gemma founded The Abilities In Me Foundation, a charity promoting inclusivity and raising awareness through a series of children’s books. Despite the online apology, she wants a direct apology to her son.
In full, De Freitas said: “I will contact Gemma to listen to her views on yesterday’s event and to say sorry for not taking time to ensure Gemma and her son were visible and able to carry out their role.
“Lots of people came to the event to support Gemma’s work leading The Abilities In Me Foundation. As the cabinet member responsible for equalities and young people, I want to ensure the council takes the necessary steps to avoid experiences like this in the future.”
