YOUNGSTERS from the Jamie Lee Dance Academy will perform in a unique show tonight(Saturday March 10) to say thank you for the life-saving cardiac treatment received by their principal’s father.

Around 30 children will join young performers from across the area for Dancing with Choirs, at Lighthouse in Poole.

Jamie Lee Mason, principal of the Jamie Lee Dance Academy, said: "We have a personal reason to take part in that my dad Peter Male’s life was saved by the Wessex Cardiac Unit."

Peter Male, now 72 and from Throop, is a former, professional pianist and musical director who has worked with stars such as Cliff Richard and Max Bygraves.

Following the sudden death of his brother David from a heart attack in 2012, Peter was advised to have his own heart checked out.

Tests revealed the four main arteries of his heart were blocked and he needed an immediate, quadruple heart bypass.

Peter said: "The care given to me by the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, followed by expert surgery at Southampton General Hospital, undoubtedly saved my life.

"I was thrilled to learn that Jamie -Lee and her students are taking part in this show which will benefit the Wessex Cardiac Unit at Southampton."

Dancing with Choirs will see dance troupes and theatre schools sharing a stage with local choirs for the first time, with all money raised going to the cancer charity Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF) and Wessex Heartbeat, which supports the Wessex Cardiac Unit.

Acts include Bournemouth Male Voice Choir, Rising Voices Choir, the Sound of Soul Choir and Centre Stage.

the show will be directed by Marie Duffy Pask, choreographer of the internationally-acclaimed ‘Lord of the Dance’. Marie will also be bringing along some of her dancers to perform on the night.

Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF) was set up in 2012 to help families facing financial hardships because of cancer.

Wessex Heartbeat was founded 25 years ago and has raised almost £16 million for the Wessex Cardiac Centre.

Ken Wilde of Wessex Heartbeat said: “Like Jamie-Lee and her pupils, most of us know someone who has been touched by heart disease or cancer and have had access to the world-beating medical care we work hard to fund.

"It’s a great event for all ages and with just a few tickets still available at the Box Office we hope people will come and support the performers."

Contact the Lighthouse Box Office on 01202 280000.