Race against clock to get life-changing surgery for teenage dancer with scoliosis

The Leeds teenager, who dreams of becoming a professional dancer, was diagnosed with the condition when she was eight years old and now has a severe curviture and rotation of the spine - which has got worse since lockdown.

Her mum Jane said: "I first noticed something when she was around six or seven but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Then when I bought her first tutu when she began performing, I noticed the zip would always pull to the side, no matter how many times I straightened it. That was when I knew we needed to do something."

Mia was taken to the GP where she was diagnosed with scoliosis with no underlying medical conditions. She then spent a lot of time at Sheffield Children's Hospital, visiting every six weeks.

She has managed her condition and has danced throughout her whole life, taking part in shows at both Harrogate and Wakefield Theatre.

However, she has been unable to train properly throughout lockdown and her spine is now curved to 50 degrees, as well as rotated, causing problems with her rib cage and leaving her hips and waist out of alignment.

She now needs urgent surgery to correct the problem and to be able to continue dancing.

Jane added: "This has always been a worry but she is so passionate about dance - it is all she wants to do. All her life she's wanted to be a professional and it's heartbreaking to think anything could stand in the way of that.

"This is a lot for a young girl to take on but Mia is always so strong and positive."

Mia's family are hoping she will be able to undergo VBT surgery to tether her spine through keyhole surgery, which will also help it to straighten while she is still growing, but she will need to travel to Istanbul in Turkey for the operation at the end of September.

A fundraising page has now been set up to help her reach the £60,000 goal for the surgery, which is now less than six weeks away. Just over £4,000 has been raised so far.

"Any support we can get means so much to us and to Mia... it means the absolute world.

"She is so determined and says she 'really wants to show the curve who is the boss'.

"The chance to stop her worrying and live the life she dreams of would be completely life-changing," Jane said.

Mia's Godmother, Susie Little, set up the Go Fund Me page on behalf of the family.

She wrote: "She will be able to dance and pursue her hopes of a professional dance career, move normally and live a normal life. We are desperate to raise the money needed for her to have this life-changing surgery. She tragically lost her father 18 months ago (he was just 53), and her mum's business has really struggled as a result of the pandemic. I have committed to them both that I will do everything in my power to raise this money. Please, please help if you can. Thank you so much."

To donate, visit https://gf.me/u/ypy2b9 Keep up to date with Mia's progress on Facebook at 'Mia's VBT Journey'.