A YOUNG carer has been helping compile a "memory book" of happy times for his dad – who has Parkinson's disease.
Beeston-born Chris Ley suffered from a stroke in 2006 and was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2011.
His illness meant that the family had to uproot from Scotland and return to Chris' home town, where he could receive support and help from his relatives.
The Ley family have been putting together photos of their treasured memories, from children's birthdays and first days at school to family outings including donkey rides in Skegness, and trips to Goose Fair and Nottingham Castle.
The latest entry is set to be by his ten-year-old son Joseph Ley, who has been chosen to be this year's Beeston Carnival Prince next month.
Year 5 and 6 pupils at Beeston Rylands School were asked to write a letter explaining why they wanted to be Prince or Princess of the carnival.
In his letter, Joseph wrote that he wanted to do the role so he could give his dad, who has Parkinson's Disease, a good memory.
But Joseph didn't initially tell his father he applied to be the Beeston Carnival Prince, only breaking the news once he was chosen for the role.
Joseph said: "I wanted to make it a surprise for my dad. I felt really excited and happy to tell him. I did it for all the family."
He added that he often helps his father out with his mum, Elaine, and four siblings Ethan, 15, Rebecca. 13, Rachel, seven, and Malachi, four.
Joseph said he helps by picking Chris up when he has fallen over, fetching his clothes or medication for him, cutting his food up at dinner time, and helping with the household chores.
Mr Ley said: "I was overwhelmed and surprised that my son had done something so nice for me.
"He is the kindest boy and always helps me."
After Chris had a stroke the family decided that their motto would be "make memories", and have since collected photographs of every occasion in a book.
Chris added: "Every activity we do we take photos to build memories so this will make a wonderful one. I will be right there by his side to have my picture taken with him."
Lynda Lally, Beeston Extra Community Champion, was one of the judges on the panel who chose Joseph to be the Carnival Prince.
She said: "His letter was so lovely. It was so heart rending as he was so personal about his family."
Joseph will be crowned during the Carnival on Saturday, July 13, along with the 11-year-old Princess, Ruby Sample, at 12.30pm in Beeston Square.
They will then take part in a parade starting outside the Broxtowe Borough Council offices on Foster Avenue at 1pm.
The parade will make its way through Beeston Square and Beeston High Road before finishing at Broadgate Park.
