I need to tell you about my eldest daughter, Megan Downey-Sparkes. Influenced by her half-sister sister Rachel Downey, Megan is a passionate and highly talented Irish Dance competitor and only 12 years old.

Half-sister Rachel who is now 28 has had an amazing professional dance career, including several years with the internationally famous Riverdance, and now teaches Irish Dancing at her studio in Walthamstow. Megan is one of her star pupils.

Megan started dancing when she was just 7 and has competed at the highest level in the UK and Ireland with great success. She is now ranked 43rd IN THE WORLD in her age group and has qualified for the World Irish Dance Championships to be held in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA in April next year.

My partner, and Megan’s father, Derek was a loyal supporter of Megan’s passion and was able to finance her travel, costumes etc.

Derek tragically died of cancer almost 2 years ago. He was only 50.

Megan is the eldest of our four children. Without Derek’s income, life has been a constant financial struggle to keep them all fed and clothed. I have been able to help Megan enter some competitions in the UK but the cost of giving Megan the opportunity to compete in the World Championships is way beyond my means.

Understandably, Megan is distraught at the thought of qualifying for Greensboro but not being able to make the journey because I cannot afford it.

In desperation, I am writing to you in the hope that you might make Megan’s dream a reality. Her hard work and dedication deserve this chance.

I estimate that I would need £5,000 for flights and accomadation.

Any and all donations are extremely welcome, thank you very much