I’m very excited to introduce our April Star of the month, Emily Crompton, from the Emily Moore School of Dance. I’ve been wanting to thank this generous lady for some time, and today was a perfect occasion.
Florence started ballet classes with Emily just after Elsie was born. Emily always loved giving Elsie cuddles in between lessons and said she made her really broody (so Elsie might be to blame for Emily’s imminent maternity leave!) She didn’t even mind when Elsie started walking and decided to keep trying to sit down in the circle with all the big girls at the start of the lesson. Elsie was desperate to join in with the dance lessons and when music played, would spin around in a circle with her arms held up high in the air.
When Elsie died, the staff at Emily Moore School of Dance really felt it too. They had all developed such a bond with Els, having been on the receiving end of her legendary cuddles each week. They came to her funeral, wrote lovely messages to us and asked us how we were each week, prepared for any answer we may give. They asked parents for contributions to our Alder Hey fund and presented us with a lovely card signed by well wishers. They have kept up to date with our progress for Elsie Ever After, and have helped us raise money for our Meerkat Madness competition and raffle. They are even planning how they can help us in future, by looking at how dance sessions can be used as therapy for bereaved children. Amazing isn’t it?!
Today however, they surpassed themselves. They had a special watching day at the ballet school: charging parents £1 to watch and selling cakes and drinks. It was a lovely occasion and I, as a parent, really appreciated the chance to see Florence dancing in front of an audience – she was so proud of herself and it really boosted her self esteem. But apart from being a wonderful experience, it has also raised an amazing amount of money for Elsie Ever After: a whopping £550! We can do so much with this money, real practical things that will support bereaved families in our area. For this, I must thank all the parents, family members and children who willingly spent money today on entry and refreshments – without you, no money would have been raised. I would also like to thank the ladies who made cakes and the team who served refreshments and manned the door all morning. I would of course like to thank Vicky, Talia and Miss Hannah for continuing to support us and working so hard to make today a success. But most of all, I would like to honour Miss Emily, who has shown us such kindness, true compassion and generosity. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. We will miss you as you now go on your maternity leave, but wish you all the best as you enjoy time with your new arrival – you’ll be a great mum with a heart as big as yours!