Let me say this: I am not a dancer. (At least, not without a glass or two beforehand.)
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But that’s not the point. I will be dancing alongside the very talented crew from La Belle School of Dancing on November 4 at the Civic Ballroom as Lithgow hosts its very first Stars of Lithgow Dance for Cancer.
The idea, which has been embraced in other Central West towns, is get together a few Lithgow identities, team them up with dance schools and give the people who come along a jolly good show.
It will be wild, colourful and fun, and yes, it will judged.
The nominated ‘Stars’ also commit to raising funds for the NSW Cancer Council.
So, why did the Lithgow Mercury decide to become involved?
Cancer touches everyone. We all know someone who has fought it. Some, who are lucky, get on top of it. For others, it is a fight they can’t win.
For me, I was inspired by my mother-in-law Jeannette, who passed away far too young after a nine-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
She was brave and she fought it desperately, with the support of her husband and three sons, but the survival rate for this form of cancer remains pitifully low.
And she is missed – she’s missed as you take your children on bushwalks (one her favourite activities) and she’s missed when they say something that would have made her laugh. It’s an ache. It’s lasting.
I want to help raise funds in the hope that, one day, there will be better treatments for all kinds of cancers (let’s talk cures!).
Part of the journey towards finding a cure is to support research and the work of organisations such as the NSW Cancer Council.
So here’s where you come in. The Dance for Cancer needs your support. You can sponsor a dancer or purchase a ticket, come along and watch the show on November 4.
The other ‘Stars’ taking part in the first ever Dance for Cancer will be Graham Hodson, Maree Statham, Cassandra Coleman and Kayler Gatt. Give them your support. It’s always tough to be the first at anything.
Yes, there is the prospect of falling on one’s face to consider. Or toppling offstage into someone else’s face which is equally alarming.
Should be fun.
Kirsty Horton, Editor