Carnival’s ‘royal’ salute for two brave little girls

Credit: LECCA

The red carpet will be rolled out for two brave little girls this weekend – as the thrilled pair are treated as “royals” for a day at Erewash’s biggest carnival.

A spectacular parade of floats will star 11-year-old Teha and Eliyah-rose aged five after they were nominated by the people of Long Eaton to be chauffeured through town in an open-top limo.

Courageous Teha has battled type 1 diabetes since the age of three and also suffers from the autoimmune conditions vitiligo and Celiac disease.

Her proud family says she remains a happy, kind-hearted girl who “always has a smile on her face”. Mum Tessa said: “She absolutely loves animals, has a passion for science and history and would love to visit Egypt one day. Her dream job would be something to do with science but whatever she decides to do, she will give it her all.”

Eliyah-rose was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia a year ago. Despite undergoing gruelling chemotherapy and a tracheotomy she too is hailed as a fighter – and a “happy, loving little girl”. The carnival programme describes her family as saying: “We could not be prouder of the amazing little girl that she is.”

Long Eaton’s carnival weekend kicks off on Friday – 19th June – with live music from 7pm in the town’s West Park. Armstrong’s Fun Fair will be there from 6pm and will continue for the entire weekend.

Saturday will see the grand parade set off from the park at 11pm and wind its way through town before returning to the showground at around 1pm. The theme for this year’s floats is “Through the Decades” – marking how the historic carnival is almost 100 years old. Its centenary is coming up in 2031.

Pete Smith, who chairs the carnival committee, urged crowds to line the streets to wave to Teha and Eliyah-rose, whose dream day will see them wear gowns courtesy of a local store famed for its prom dresses – Opulence Bridals.

One local woman said of the youngsters: “What an amazing story of strength and courage! You both deserve to be celebrated.” Another posted online: “Absolutely gorgeous young ladies. We can’t wait to see them in their dresses.” A third added: “Bless them brave girls.”

Committee chairman Pete paid tribute to volunteers for the “huge amount of work” that goes into organising the carnival. As soon as one ends fundraising begins for the next.

This year’s will feature Erewash’s newly installed Mayor Cllr Greg Maskalick showing off his keyboard skills. He was born in the US – where he worked as an acclaimed professional pianist before settling in the borough to become a teacher.

Greg, who helped Hollywood star Bruce Willis make his solo album The Return of Bruno, will be performing in the park with his Roadkill Blues Band at 7pm on Saturday. He said: “I can’t wait.”

Drivers are being warned that Saturday’s carnival parade will be accompanied by rolling road closures.

An official said: “Sections will be re-opened as soon as it is safe to do so after the parade has passed. Please help everyone to have a safe and enjoyable experience by following the directions of the parade marshals.”