don’t tell me I can’t… learn to ballroom dance!

Jo Willacy, 45, is a writer. She lives in Hertford with her husband Gav, 46.

As I swing my hips and side-step to the music, I feel like a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. But I’m not a professional dancer or celebrity, and there are no cameras recording me. I’m actually in a dusty school hall dancing with my husband, Gav – and I don’t need a spotlight to feel utterly fabulous while doing the cha-cha-cha…

Born with cystic fibrosis (CF) – a life-limiting genetic condition in which the lungs and digestive system become clogged – doctors told my parents staying active could help keep my lungs healthy. So as a child I did ballet and gymnastics, before enjoying cycling and aerobics classes in my teens. Despite needing physio twice a day, taking medication daily and being prone to chest infections, I still led as normal a life as possible.

After school, I forged a career as a writer. Then in 1997, aged 25, I met Gav. My condition meant we decided not to have children and, in my 30s, CF did begin to affect my health more. Walking up stairs left me breathless and while cycling I’d need to take breaks, but I continued to exercise.

In spring 2004, when Strictly first aired on BBC1, I was enchanted by the routines and the glittery costumes.

In January 2010, I spotted a flyer for Apton Dance Studio, which was holding beginner ballroom and Latin classes at our local school hall. I called the teacher, Maxine, and explained my condition meant I’d need to take breaks but she said it wasn’t a problem. With my 40th approaching, I was determined to master the moves before my milestone, and Gav agreed he’d go with me, too.

A week later, as I stood among the class of 16 people, I was nervous. But it was such fun that when the 45-minute class ended, I couldn’t wait to go back. Gav was surprised by how much he’d enjoyed it, too, and so we returned to learn everything from the rumba to jive. In October 2011, we performed a cha-cha-cha at Gavin’s 40th birthday party. Our guests were so surprised and impressed!

I’m now 45. I still love hitting the dance floor, and I don’t plan to stop!

‘I was enchanted’