Help Lolly get to Blackpool
ROOSEVELT PARK – Dancers start a fundraiser to help their fellow dancer realise her dreams as a line dancer.
Rainbow Line Dancers did exceptionally well when they competed in a line dancing competition in the Free State.
The dancers competed for the first time in the Regional Line Dance Competition with other dancers in different categories. Rainbow Line Dancers founder and instructor Leon Nel said the dancers performed extremely well. They practice at the Roosevelt Bowling Club.
Among the dancers for this year is a 21-year-old woman from Casa Do Sol School for learners with special needs.
“Lauren Bird has been dancing with us for 15 months and this was her first line dance competition. The highlight was Lauren winning two gold medals in the professional and amateur country dance category,” said Nel.
He added that the annual Gauteng Regional Competition is in Boksburg in April and the SA Masters is in Durban in May this year. The World Line Dance Championships will take place in August this year in Blackpool.
Her fellow dancers are currently raising funds for Bird to represent South Africa in these competitions. So far they have raised R5 000. Lauren’s Mom Jenny Bird said a donation towards the amount of R30 000 will help realise the dream of a special young woman who is fondly known as Lolly.
She was born with a heart defect known as patent ductus arteriosus, which is a hole that allows the blood to skip circulation to the lungs while in the womb. However, when the baby is born, the blood must receive oxygen in the lungs and this hole is supposed to close.
“[She also has an] arterial septal defect, which is a hole between the two chambers. I am hoping and humbly asking for your support in this worthy cause to get Lauren to Blackpool,” said Bird.
Her fellow dancers describe her as their special friend, fellow dancer and the light and star of their line dancing group. Lauren’s larger than life personality, winning spirit and courage win the hearts of everyone she meets. She is known for being an inspiration to both young people and adults.
Donors are welcome to contact Nel or Bird or visit the Rainbow Line Dancers website and the Lolly goes to Blackpool Facebook page.
Details: Leon Nel 082 349 5424; leonnel@tiscali.co.za; Jenny Bird 082 929 8642.
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