Dancer takes to bike to raise funds

Danielle Smith, 16, will pedal 31 miles from Linlithgow to Pathway to help support Absolutely Legless Irish Dance company with whom she has danced in two Fringe shows since joining 18 months ago.

The nursery assistant at Wallyford Primary, who had lived in foster care, has completed the Megacycle and Pedal for Scotland this year as well as the Race For Life 10K run round Arthur’s Seat to raise money for cancer charities.

Now, she hopes to raise £500 for her dance troupe, which has been invited to perform in Wales, Barbados, the USA and Croatia in 2013.

Danielle said: “Dancing changed my life. I was finding things very difficult after my dad died and joining Absolutely Legless helped me to turn things around.

“It’s given me friendships, like my friend Jodie that I met at dancing. I feel amazing when I’m dancing – it’s really good for taking my mind off things and I really love being part of the group. I want to say a huge thank you to Dianne Newman, my dance teacher, because she supports everyone and helps us achieve our very best for Absolutely Legless.

“I’m looking forward to going abroad with the group next year and I want to do what I can to get funds for our trips.”