DOCTORS FEARED SHE MAY NEVER WALK... NOW SCARLETT DEFIES THE ODDS ON THE DANCEFLOOR
An inspiring schoolgirl is defying the odds to achieve her dreams on the dancefloor – despite doctors doubting whether she would ever be to walk or talk.
Scarlett Stevens was diagnosed with a heart condition and the rare genetic disorder cornelia de lange syndrome, when she was born two weeks early in 2013.
The condition can cause a range of physical, cognitive and medical challenges, including growth, behaviour and developmental delays.
Doctors at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, where she spent the first weeks of her life, thought she might never walk or talk properly or live a normal life.
Now six, Scarlett came first in her category at the national Cheerdance UK competition at Blackpool Tower on March 15.
Despite only having been dancing for a year, the aspiring star performed in the additional needs group to cheers of support from her family, including sister Harriet, four and Declan, three.
“Everybody was cheering her on, she absolutely loved it,” said mum Noor Stevens, who runs barber shop, Barbering
at SR4 in Sunderland.
“The Blackpool competitions are really competitive, but her dance teacher is amazing with her.
“We’re so proud of how far she has come. She has so much confidence she just gets on with everything, she never gives up.”
Originally from Sunderland,
Noor moved to Shiremoor, North Shields a number of years ago.
Scarlett now attends Shiremoor Primary School, despite doctors concerns that she might not be able to attend mainstream school.
She is also a young charity champion having fundraised for the North Shields-based New Hope for Children which supports child refugees.
Every year she delivers selection boxes and Easter Eggs to the staff at the Freeman hospital where she visits for regular check-ups, to thank them for all their help.
“It was a really worrying time when she was born,” said Noor.
“Considering the hospital didn’t think she would be able to live a normal life, she has just come on amazingly – she is the most friendly, and kindest girl I know.
“The staff say they love seeing babies they’ve helped come back healthy and makes them know there doing their job well.”