DANCE crews will be competing in a charity event to raise £2,500 so a 16-year-old from Bournemouth with cerebral palsy can buy a racing wheelchair.

Nathan Blackie, aged 16, fell in love with wheelchair racing when he attended the Athletics Club at Victoria Education Centre, which specialises in the sport. Despite suffering from cerebral palsy he has excelled in a number of races and completed a three-mile wheelchair marathon for beginners in an impressive time. Amanda Jarvis, who has organised the charity event so Nathan can buy a racing wheelchair, said: “I think this is such a worthy cause because Nathan has found something he really enjoys.

“He should be given the opportunity to pursue his dreams. “He has competed in a few different athletic events and shown that he has real talent and a bright future in wheelchair racing, but all the equipment is so expensive I thought someone should try and help out.” The charity dance battle will be taking place at Halo in Bournemouth on Thursday, November 28 from 6.30pm to 9.30pm and entry is £4.

Dance enthusiasts have been asked to come along and compete in different dance styles ranging from street and hip-hop to contemporary and Latin American. Crews from Rockit Dance in Bournemouth, DFA dance school, the Bishop of Winchster and LeAF performing arts will be attending, but all dance groups are welcome to join in the fun.

Amanda said: “Come along with your school, crew or with friends to dance, battle and compete and be entertained by DJs Kenny Mitchell, Trevor Loveys and MC Pyro.” To contact the organiser email: mandyljarvis@btinternet.com