Many of you already know my story, but for those who don't I will fill you in here ...

In 2008 my life changed over night when my beautiful Mum - Carol Anne North - sadly lost her battle with Cancer. I never understood what it meant before when you hear that a family are living and battling Cancer, so dealing with it full on and first hand was devastating and something that will stay with me forever. 

My Mum was one of the kindest people you can imagine. Her smile lit up each room she entered and for a long time after her passing my rooms stayed dark. I didn't know how to live without her and that in itself was one of the hardest challenges I have ever had to face. She helped so so many people and was a pillar of her community. She had worked in a School for many years and her funeral was a sea of pink (her fav colour) and full of people from students, family and friends. Her loss affected so many. I have always been so proud to be her daughter.  

In 2011 I knew my Mum deserved to be remembered on a much bigger scale and set up the Carol Anne Dance Academy (CADA STARS) offering fun dance classes to boys and girls in the Kingswood, Surrey and surrounding area. She had spent so many hours of her time making sure I fulfilled my love for Dance so it was a fitting way to pay her back - so to say. I could never have imagined how fast it would grow and how much we continue to grow. I could never have imagined how much joy we could bring to kids and I thank every single one of them for bringing me back to life. My Mum would have been up front and centre if she was here and love all my Stars as much as I do. 

Along with my best friend - Charlotte Graham, who has been there for me every step of the way - we decided to start the challenges by taking on a tough and personal challenge of treking through Peru to Machu Picchu. The trip actually departed on what was the 7th year of my Mums passing in 2015 and although the year of training was tough we worked so hard and got through the Trek safely. I am so, so thankful to Charlotte for doing this with me and continuing to be such an amazing friend! 

in 2017 - along with my friend Maria Romano at the Spaghetti Tree - whose grandchildren attended CADA Stars - we worked towards another huge life experience to raise money for The Royal Marsden - who provided my Mum with such fantastic care - by trekking through the Grande Canyon with exceptionally hot days and cold nights. This challenge is more hands on setting up our own camp and helping with food preparation. We said .... bring it on!!

We will be doing lots of fundraising events but your donation here - however big and small - will mean so much. 

Thank you in advance and thank you for being on this journey with me.

Lots of Love

Miss Emma xx