Falmouth mother-of-three and dedicated fundraiser Michelle Bray was left “completely shellshocked” after being told she had been chosen to switch on the town’s Christmas lights next Thursday evening.

Michelle, whose eldest daughter Sasha is currently battling a rare form of cancer, is not likely to be alone on the stage next week. Falmouth’s town team, headed by town manager Richard Gates, also decided to bestow the honour on the crew of RFA Argus in recognition of the work they are carrying out in Ebola stricken Sierra Leone.

Although the crew will not be able to attend the festive celebrations it is hoped that someone will represent them on the night.”

There were more nominations for light switch-on candidates than ever before this year, but Michelle proved a firm favourite attracting 20 of the 50 received with family and friends keen to highlight the work she does for various charities.

Last year she ran the London Marathon in aid of CLIC, she is a member of the Falmouth Pink Wiggers, who raise money for breast cancer charities, has helped organise events in aid of Tanya’s Courage Trust and the Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation – and all of this while coping with her daughter’s illness and raising two other daughters with her partner Chris Watson.

She said: “I could not believe it. I was completely shellshocked. I don’t do any more than anyone else. It is quite humbling and I am chuffed to bits because I do love illuminations and it will be an experience.”

Speaking on behalf of the crew of RFA Argus Kevin Murray, cluster team leader at A&P Falmouth, said: “Those on board the RFA Argus are surprised and touched to have been chosen to switch on Falmouth’s Christmas lights from 4,000 miles away off the coast of Sierra Leone. It is a fantastic honour and a great reminder that they are in people’s thoughts at this special time of year and further demonstrates the special relationship that exists between the vessel and its home port of Falmouth.”

The Christmas lights switch-on will take place on The Moor at about 7pm next Thursday, December 4, after the children’s parade arrives from Events Square. Before that, Father Christmas will be brought ashore at Custom House Quay by the port’s lifeboat at about 5.15pm and taken to Events Square onboard the Lizard Stallions’ coach.

A parade, featuring children from four of the town’s five primary schools and Truro Pipes and Drums among others, will leave at 5.45pm.