Some of you will already know that, 6 months ago, I was in a car accident that resulted in a spinal fracture. I was incredibly lucky to avoid paralysis. My recovery has been slow - there are so many risks and so many potential wrong moves that could make things worse. It’s definitely an example of having to learn to walk before you can run - quite literally!

It’s also been a tough mental battle - not being able to do lots of things I love, ways I express myself, process and destress. I’m lucky to have had an amazing support network, and strong mental resilience that I’ve cultivated over a long period of time. But it really brought home for me what it must be like to face challenges and dark times alone. Not to have anyone to turn to or anywhere to go. All without also being able to do the things (or sometimes not even knowing what these things are) that help you get through and feel happier.

So it’s safe to say this experience has given me even more of a fire in my belly for Care to Dance. I didn’t think it would be possible to feel more certain of how much of a difference it makes to young people, but turns out I was wrong!

So, to mark our 5 year anniversary and raise money for Care to Dance, I’m going to be running an ultra-marathon in November - 50 kilometres and over 2600 meters elevation in one day. Given I was still in a brace and on crutches 4 months ago, it’s definitely a challenge! But I want to show all our young people just how much is possible if you put your mind to it, what you can overcome with mental strength and determination, and people backing you. And to raise money to enable us to support more young people across the country, at a time when so many young people are struggling, would be even better.

Anything you can give would be amazing.

£10 will fund a young person's dance class

£20 will fund a young person's Dance T-Shirt

£30 will fund a young person's Jazz shoes

£40 will fund a young person to watch a performance at the Theatre

£50 will fund a young person's travel to a performance opportunity!

https://youtu.be/8LQRyxQu_Dc