A Staffordshire family has had their wedding dream come true after the bride's father learned to walk again. 

Francis Baylis has lived with Parkinson's and suspected dementia for five years, meaning he is unsteady on his feet and requires assistance to aid movement in his everyday life, including the use of a wheelchair. 

But with the support of specialists at Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme, the 73-year-old was able to walk for the special day after making it his mission to accompany his daughter, Lizzie, down the aisle. 

Recalling her father's big moment, Lizzie said: "He absolutely smashed it. 

"It had given him a sense of purpose, something to work towards, though Dad can really pull at your heartstrings to get out of doing things he knows he can do. 

"The Belong team were amazing keeping his focus on track. They have a great relationship with him, being firm but fair and they put everything in place to make it happen."

Upon receiving news of his middle daughter Lizzie's engagement Francis was enlisted on Belong's in-house exercise and rehabilitation service, and his carers to help.  

 With a hi-tech gym and exercise specialists qualified in working with older people, Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme works to create free personalised exercise programmes for all residential care residents, designed to promote independence and quality of life. 

Francis at Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme. (Belong)

For the father of the bride, the goal was to increase strength and alleviate slower movement, stiffness and rigidity commonly associated with Parkinson's, whilst boosting confidence to achieve the feat. 

With group workouts and one-to-one training in the village gym, progress was proving fruitful, especially thanks to virtual cycle visits to Cornwall and Ireland on specialist exercise bikes adapted for wheelchair users.  

Meanwhile, carers encouraged him through daily walks to the wedding march tune of Here Comes the Bride, and in the background, made arrangements for the 160-mile round trip to the picturesque North Wales countryside wedding, ultimately attending to support the family. 

 It was after a number of years being supported at home by a live-in caregiver and help from his three daughters that Francis made the decision to move into Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme. 

Since then, he has immersed himself in village life, making much use of its bistro and the integrated Belong Heritage Gallery, whilst enjoying 'banter' with staff, even cheekily making requests for bacon butties at 2am. 

Lizzie added: "Initially, Dad had made a joke of it all – very much of his character. 

"He then said he wouldn't miss it for the world, and he was really determined.

"To see him rise to the challenge was very emotional; he loved being with his family and it was a special moment for all of us." 

 Josephine Mollison, general manager at Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme, added: "We are thrilled for the Baylis family and Francis's achievement. 

"They had thought it wouldn't have been an option, but our ethos is to make moments like this happen and it goes to show that with a support network of dedicated carers and exercise expertise, you can achieve your dreams."

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Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme is a sponsor of Stoke Nub News.