A BRAVE boy who battles an extremely rare and life-limiting "childhood Alzheimer's" condition has been put forward to be a Barrow Christmas Lights Switch-on Star.

Taylor Smith, 11, of Barrow, has Niemann-Pick disease type C, a genetic disease which affects the brain and mobility.

Taylor's family are having to deal with the heartbreaking situation that he may only have several years left with his loved ones. His condition has deteriorated and he is now being fed through a tube. The disease has robbed him of his speech.

Taylor is described as "living proof of that no matter what life throws at him he still manages to smile".

Happy Taylor loves songs, particularly Christmas ones, and enjoys clapping and moving along to the music.

His family say he is infatuated with Christmas and Santa, and also lights and fireworks.

There have been numerous nominations for Taylor to receive the honour of lighting up Barrow at the big Christmas Lights Switch-On celebration on Saturday November 19.

Those nominating him say: "This would light up his life if he got to switch the lights on in front of an audience."

They say this would not only be special to Taylor and make him happy, but it will stay in the memories of his family who are making as many as they can as Taylor's life is limited.

This year Barrow Community Christmas Events, a group of volunteers, stepped in to save Barrow's Christmas celebration. The big event focuses on community spirit, so a deserving hero, or heroes, will switch on the town's Christmas lights.

The Switch-on Star will join Father Christmas and the Barrow mayor, Councillor Anita Husband, on stage.

There will be entertainment in Town Square from 3pm with a host of talented local entertainers and bright young performers.

The North-West Evening Mail is running the contest to find a member of the Barrow community to push the plunger and light up the town. Nominations are invited for individuals of all ages or groups that are community heroes. They must be associated with Barrow borough.

Nominations are open until Wednesday November 9.

To nominate use the Evening Mail website or write to the Evening Mail.

Those writing in are asked to give the following details; name and contact details of the nominator; name, age and contact details for the person being nominated; a summary of why the person deserves to be the Switch-on Star. These entries can be sent to Switch-on Star, North-West Evening Mail, Abbey Road, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 5QS.

A panel of judges will select the Switch-on Star, or Stars.

Barrow Christmas lights switch-on will be party 'for the people, by the people'