TWO special young people will be Hemel Hempstead’s Diamond Jubilee carnival prince and princess during Monday’s regal celebrations.
Chosen through a Gazette and Community Action Dacorum competition, Jamie Hodgson and Asanti Reynolds, both 11, were selected by judges for the unique opportunity.
The pair will be part of a carnival representing Dacorum through the diamond decades, which will make its way through Hemel Hempstead’s town centre from 11am.
Jamie from Tring, who suffers from congenital heart disease and other medical conditions, has spent most of his short life battling for survival and his parents are currently fundraising to take the youngster to Florida’s Disney World.
He will be joined by big sister Jodie, who will be celebrating her 14th birthday the following day, on the Jubilee float.
Mum Christine said: “We have said before that we want to enhance Jamie’s life as much as he has enhanced our lives. Him doing something like this shows us how much everyone cares.”
Asanti, from Hemel Hempstead, bravely climbed Mount Snowdon, pictured above left, to raise money in memory of her grandad.
Her feat raked in hundreds of pounds for Diabetes UK.
Speaking about being chosen for the Jubilee treat, Asanti’s mum Angela said: “I think it is absolutely fantastic. I never thought she would get chosen because there are so many courageous children out there so I was very proud of Asanti.”
The carnival will travel through the town centre coming to a stop at Gadebridge Park where revellers can enjoy live music, children’s entertainment and a big screen streaming the Buckingham Palace concert. It will all be topped off with a fireworks display at 10.30pm.
> For more information on what Diamond Jubilee celebrations are on offer in Dacorum this weekend, pick up a copy of this week’s Gazette, on sale now.