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Dance teacher Samantha Tidmarsh and her students at Old Park Primary School in Wednesbury won the chance to take part in an exclusive celebrity dance masterclass with Practice-a-thon in 2011.

The school was judged to have held the most innovative and creative event with their Grease themed fundraiser and took part in a special dance class led by Strictly Come Dancing coach Karen Hardy. They want to encourage schools, groups and clubs across the country to practice their favourite performing art and raise money for a worthy cause at the same time.

Alongside Samantha and her pupils, Rina Desai, governor at the school and avid fundraiser, is dedicated to raising awareness of CLIC Sargent after her son Rahul lost his battle with cancer. She said:

“I have had first-hand experience of the invaluable support that CLIC Sargent provides families. As soon as Rahul was diagnosed, our CLIC Sargent Social Worker was there straightaway, offering information and emotional and practical support. The diagnosis was such a shock and we really didn’t know what to do first, but thankfully the charity provided all the advice we needed, and even a financial grant to help with mounting costs that you might not expect. We were offered support exactly when you needed it, which was so comforting throughout an incredibly difficult time.

“Rahul loved to take part in fundraising events and he inspired all our students to do the same. On behalf of Old Park Primary School, I want to encourage music, dance and singing enthusiasts to take part in Practice-a-thon and help the charity to support families like mine."