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Leeds dancer's battle is inspiration to cancer patients
A DANCER who created a powerful performance about his battle back to health following a terrible injury, is doing a special show in aid of teenage cancer patients.
De-Napoli Clarke is to perform Halo at the Royal Armouries in Leeds on October 11 to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust's work in Yorkshire, which includes running two units at St James's Hospital.
The performance tells the story of De-Napoli's recovery after his neck was broken when a bottle was thrown at him in a Leeds nightclub in 1998.
In Halo, he is depicted being turned away from casualty, dancing through his pain and eventually crawling back to hospital and beginning his recovery. He named the show after the halo traction which was screwed into his skull.
He said the story mirrored the journey made by many young cancer patients.
"I thought because my show was a powerful personal journey, it would be a perfect one to do with all the proceeds going to the Teenage Cancer Trust," he said.
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The charity show is being staged as De-Napoli's Leeds-based company RJC Dance has performed at several conferences for young cancer patients organised by the Teenage Cancer Trust.
De-Napoli said after creating Halo, he had been thinking about trying to perform it somewhere with a medical link and when he suggested it to the charity they were thrilled.
As well as doing the special show, he is also planning to run a 10k at Harewood House later in October for the cause, which he said was very important to him. He's also keen to perform Halo in a hospital at some point.
It is hoped many young people will come along to the show – such as former patient and keen dancer Katy Mattinson.
The 14-year-old was diagnosed with lymphoma in April and underwent chemotherapy at the unit at St James's.
She has been dancing since she was three and even managed to appear in a dance show mid-treatment.
The youngster, from Bridlington, is now feeling better and said dancing with her friends helped her.
She said the special fundraising performance was a great idea.
Halo includes elements of contemporary and reggae dance styles as well as martial arts.
Tickets for the performance on October 11 are from 12.50 and are available from Jen on 07507 197225 or email jen.buck@teenagecancertrust.org.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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