HOW many fabulous events can you fit into a week? 

It was my birthday, then Mother’s Day where I was waited on hand and foot but first came the Rainbow Ball organised by Nicola Leadbetter.

This year, as a kind gesture, the money raised was split four ways. We have £1,000 each to the chosen charities of the families of three people who have sadly lost their life to cancer since the Rainbow Ball was established six years ago. 

At the last count almost £6,000 had been raised through ticket sales, an auction and two raffles after all expenses were paid. 

I’m in awe of people’s generosity year after year to contribute to the fabulous Rainbow Ball, knowing what it stood for this year and the charities chosen which the donations went to. 

They were The Joshua Tree on behalf of Cathy Brown’s family, MacMillan on behalf of Mark Orford’s family, The British Heart Foundation on behalf of Brenda Smith’s family and the remainder of the proceeds to

Inflammatory Breast Cancer UK on behalf of myself, who after nearly seven years is still living with and dealing with the unbearable, mental torture of this cancer.

With a brain injury, in the midst of chemotherapy and all of its side effects, with a delicate back from two strains in January and after a recent fall damaging my ribs, I chose to perform. 

I chose to entertain the guests with a surprise dance routine along with my kids, aged 11 and 12. 

Looking back there are so many people to thank for what I did – from my dear friend, hairdresser and spiritualist Ian Black, who a few years ago told me he had a message from 'above' that I should take dance lessons. 

When sliding down a depressive, slippery slope he gave me his message and I have never looked back organising a lesson the very next day and a week later I was in my element taking dance lessons with my Becci Francis, my dance teacher, amazing choreographer and now my friend. 

My depression took a back seat as I was transported back to a time when dancing was my life, alone in my bedroom with a hairbrush when all I ever wanted to do was perform and entertain.

My thanks extend greatly to Nicola Leadbetter who, without the ball, I’d have had nowhere to perform and no-one to perform to. 

And my wonderful children who agreed to dance alongside me, encouraging me and helping me learn the routine when I kept making mistakes only days before the final event, yet I’d been practising for months and months. 

Lois and Darcey knew it off by heart after just a few practices but that made me struggle with my confidence even more. 

I had many blips and tears along the way with my mind going into overdrive when having a bad day. 

What if my mind goes blank? (Which I get daily because of my damaged brain). 

What If I haven’t got the energy or am too tired? (A major side effect of the chemo). 

What if I hurt myself whilst in the middle of the routine? (My delicate body has taken a battering over the last few months). Who do I think I am? What If I make a complete fool of myself? 

My mind had a lot to answer for as these thoughts tried to bring me down but it was Becci and my children who helped me to believe in myself and gave me the strength I never knew I had, telling me I CAN when I was telling myself I CAN’T. 

And the handful of friends I discretely told in order to keep it a secret from my husband Carl who, by the way, was utterly flawed as he didn’t have a clue, watching in amazement at our performance and how much it meant to me.

The response was completely overwhelming as guests had seen me struggle over the years reducing many to tears at my accomplishment. 

Almost 4,000 views on Facebook and so many encouraging comments with a write-up in the Warrington Guardian online. Read here.

I was feeling euphoric and have no other words to describe the way I felt as I’d waited all my life for this feeling but not losing sight of what the Rainbow Ball stood for and the charities chosen. 

I, along with and X Factor finalist, Keira Weathers and a friend’s daughter Harlee Sudworth who recently was signed to a record label, we entertained the guests giving them a night to remember and a thank you for donating their hard earned cash to our causes. My accomplishment was in life. 

I’d like to think that’s what I stood for that evening, and an accomplishment with cancer. 

I stood for strength, and going after what you want and love to do. I stood for the saying 'it’s never too late to achieve your dreams'. 

I hope I set a good example to my girls and teach them what life is really all about. You only get one shot at a life that is so short anyway (some being shorter than others) and I only hope the people that the ball was dedicated to were living their life exactly how they wanted and doing the things they loved before they were sadly taken from us. 

If I can do it with so many reasons to stop me, I only hope I’ve inspired others to do the same and believe in themselves. 

That’s what my intention was and my elation lasted for days. 

Every Rainbow Ball memories are made that are never forgotten but the last one holds a moment in time so personal to me that words don’t do the memory justice. 

And if I was to die tomorrow I’ll have no regrets having done something I love with my kids by my side. Feeling so lucky (even with having cancer and a damaged brain to deal with) I believe life is what you make it.