Boy, 11, boldly goes to be star's stand-in

A BOY, aged 11, who is battling a rare condition will be turning on a set of Christmas lights after receiving a call from Hollywood star.

By The Newsroom

Published 10th Nov 2010, 11:16 BST

Updated 10th Nov 2010, 11:17 BST

Harry Crowther couldn't believe it when Sir Patrick Stewart called him to ask if he could fill in for him as the actor could not make it back from New York in time because of a commitment to a Broadway play.

The schoolboy suffers from a rare genetic form of atypical progeria syndrome, which means his body is ageing five-times faster than normal, and leaves him with the aches and pains of a pensioner.

Sir Patrick, 70, made the unexpected call after realising he needed someone to deputise for him at the ceremony in Mirfield, on November 27.

Harry's mum Sharron Crowther, from Huddersfield, said: "We had no idea he was going to ring.

"It is an honour and Harry is really chuffed to be doing it."