I had spinal fusion surgery with two titanium rods and ten screws in 2012. As a competitive ballroom and latin dancer for over 10 years, the diagnosis leading to surgery hit quite hard, and meant that I had to stop competing. I found new ways of exercising, went to the gym frequently, but asking personal trainers for core advice often led me feeling disappointed for the lack of understanding of movement. This was until I found Curva pilates with Emily. Having had spinal fusion the same year as me, the knowledge and the skills, she created a program specifically for my fused spine, and that was six years ago!

After the surgery, I wasn't informed of how to maintain strength and flexibility, and left to my own devices and doing every exercise class I could. The goal of this trek is to bring attention to the importance scoliosis and those recovering from spinal fusion surgeries.

I've walked up Snowdon twice, and last year, 40 of us with scoliosis and spinal fusions walked up through a storm and we raised £27,000 for charity - it was absolutely brutal but I am so proud of our team for summiting and showing how strong we are with our spines.

Of course, we are doing it again! This year, we’re taking on Scafell Pike ☺️

Curva’s Scoli Scafell Trek 2026

Date: Saturday 27th June 2026 (rounding off Scoliosis Awareness Month)

Where: Scafell Pike, Lake District

Who: A qualified trekking guide and 40+ people with scoliosis and spinal fusions

What: A challenging but achievable mountain climb, around 6–8 hours… and yes, a well-earned pub dinner afterwards!

We are fundraising once again for Scoliosis Support & Research – the UK’s only scoliosis charity dedicated to supporting those with scoliosis and spinal fusion through awareness, support and research funding.

We really appreciate any donations and awareness this brings to the reality of living with scoliosis and spinal fusion, thank you so much for your support.