Elvis fan Caroline is a Dancing Queen

Raised on the rock and roll sounds of ‘The King’ Caroline will be taking part in the Strictly Come Dancing night in Bready Cricket Club on April 13, but on this occasion will not be dressing in her Elvis costume. She will, however, be dancing to music by Elvis as she struts her stuff in the ‘Rock and Roll Jive’ and the ‘Cha Cha’.

By competing Caroline hopes to raise awareness for the charity Youthlife, which provides counselling for young people. Youthlife is the only youth-led residential support programme for young people who have experienced bereavement and loss, and is based at Bishop Street. The charity is celebrating it’s 21st anniversary, and Caroline learned about it’s vital, non-porfit-making work from a friend.

“I can jive. I fast jive with my dad, Trevor. Daddy taught me when I was young, but my partner, David, he cannot dance at all, so we have been going to dance lessons and he has picked it up so fast,” she said.

Looking forward to the event, she said: !I wanted to choose a local charity that would put the money to good use and chose Youthlife because I am concerned at the number of people choosing to try and take their lives. I first became aware of the charity from a friend, and then learned more about Youthlife’s work from a neighbour.

“The charity offers bereavement counselling for young people who are coming to terms with suicide or with some form of loss in their lives, such as their mother and father separating,” she said.

She continued: “I knew nothing about the charity and when I went in one day I came away after with a really emotional reaction to what they are doing there. The woman I spoke to took me through the basics of what they offer and explained to me how they build up young people and use toys to help young people deal with their emotions and speak about what they are going through using the toys. I came out of the place gobsmacked because they do so much for young people.

“On a Friday, Saturday and Sunday there is even a cafe youth club for 30 kids to go there and take them away from the street and any negative influences they may encounter on the street,” Caroline said.

Anyone who would like to get a ticket for the event can contact Bready Cricket Club or Caroline on 07989662264. Caroline is also willing to take donations on behalf of Youthlife for those who would like to make a donation rather than attend the event.