A DANCE event is set to take place to raise money to help a schoolgirl with numerous health problems.

A DANCE display will be held at Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre on Friday to raise money for an eight-year-old girl who has a genetic disorder.

Alana Beatty, a pupil at Almond Hill Junior School in Stevenage, has Marfan’s syndrome, which is a genetic disorder of the connective tissue. The health implications are vast - Alana has a heart defect, visual impairment, lung congestion, severe headaches, joint pain and dislocation, fatigue, and back problems.

Alana’s mum, Emma, is a gym member at the leisure centre and the dance teachers have joined together to organise a dance display to raise �800 to buy a special trike to support Alana’s spine so she can ride with her friends.

There will be 21 dances, including salsa, ballet, Argentine tango, line dancing, belly dancing, and a performance to Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

There will also be a raffle on the day, with prizes including a signed photo of choreographer Louie Spence - star of Sky One’s Pineapple Dance Studios, Gordon Craig Theatre tickets, one-month free membership to the leisure centre’s gym, Cineworld tickets, and spa vouchers.

Tickets for the dance spectacular are available from the sports reception at Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre, priced �5 for adults and �2.50 for children.