Notts teenager dances her way into the hearts of celebrities whilst raising cash to help people

A fourteen-year-old Kirby in Ashfield teenager has challenged herself to twirl, cartwheel and tap-dance her way through lockdown to help raise funds to help people.
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Ashfield Comprehensive school pupil Ruth Lamb has set herself a target to dance for about six hours every day, totalling 100 hours, during lockdown at her Glebe Street home.

Her aim is to raise £1000 for the John Eastwood Hospice and £500 for the NHS. She started on May 15 and finishes by the end of June, although she has already hit her target for the hospice, and is almost there for the NHS.

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The Christine Marsh School of Dance pupil’s first fundraiser came after she lost her friend Karen Newbold and to keep her memory alive. She went on to raise £6,000 for causes, including helping a cancer patient Jason Fradgley achieve his wish to fly in a Spitfire. She has also raised thousands of pounds for the hospice and Women’s Aid.

Ruth Lamb, 14, dancing through lockdownRuth Lamb, 14, dancing through lockdown
Ruth Lamb, 14, dancing through lockdown

Since news of Ruth’s challenge has spread, it has attracted the attention of celebrities who have sent her messages of support. They include singer songwriter Alesha Dixon, comedian Keith Lemon, and dancer Wayne Sleep, who Ruth has met.

In a video Alesha Dixon said: “Congratulations Ruth and well done on everything you are doing to help other people, you, my little darling are absolutely incredible. Sending you love and kisses.”

Ruth’s mum Julie Lamb said: “She lives and breathes for dancing and loves to help people. We couldn’t be more proud. It’s fantastic to get the celebrity messages.”

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She said: “I wanted to continue to helping others, after seeing the news of the virus I thought I need to help again. I have a few friends that mums and dads work for the NHS so thought I would support them while I’m in lockdown. The hospice rely on fundraising to run, I needed to help them too. I love to dance, Wayne Sleep has inspired me so much.”

Ruth Lamb with Wayne Sleep - Ruth Lamb-Just GivingRuth Lamb with Wayne Sleep - Ruth Lamb-Just Giving
Ruth Lamb with Wayne Sleep - Ruth Lamb-Just Giving

Julie added: “She twirls round the living or you’ll find her cartwheeling across the garden, she never stops!

“We are grateful to her friends and dance teacher Caroline Lane, the whole community has been so supportive.”

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