Silverwood fundraiser unites musical marvels for MIND

Past members from Rawmarsh-based Dance Classique performed a contemporary lyrical routine to Jess Glynne’s hit Thursday in memory of Chelsey Peart at the event, which was co-organised by Tanvia Holden in tribute to her mum Debbie Whorton.
By Adele Forrest
Published 7th Mar 2019, 17:15 BST
Updated 7th Mar 2019, 17:23 BST
Organisers Tanvia Holden and Jessica Carroll are seen with some of the performers appearing at the event. The evening was held in memory of Chelsey Peart and Debbie Wharton. 190318Organisers Tanvia Holden and Jessica Carroll are seen with some of the performers appearing at the event. The evening was held in memory of Chelsey Peart and Debbie Wharton. 190318
Organisers Tanvia Holden and Jessica Carroll are seen with some of the performers appearing at the event. The evening was held in memory of Chelsey Peart and Debbie Wharton. 190318

GRIEVING friends came together to perform a heartfelt dance tribute in honour of their talented friend at a fundraising night in her memory.

Past members from Rawmarsh-based Dance Classique performed a contemporary lyrical routine to Jess Glynne’s hit Thursday in memory of Chelsey Peart.

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Rawmarsh Community School textiles teacher Chelsey was just 27 when took her own life last April after suffering from mental health issues.

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    Her childhood friend and fellow dancer Jessica Carroll, who organised the Music for Mind event last Saturday at Silverwood Miners’ Welfare club, said it was had been “emotional night in parts”.

    Jessica (21), of Rawmarsh, said: “If Chelsey was alive, she would have been in that dance with us.

    “There were a lot of dancers who used to dance alongside Chelsey, myself included, some have not danced for years as they have got married and had babies.

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    “We’ve been rehearsing every Wednesday, so it’s been nice getting together and remember Chelsey and sharing stories.

    “On the night, Chelsey’s mum, dad, sister and school friends were also there — they all had a really good night.”

    The night raised £2,100 for the Rotherham and Barnsley branch of MIND — doubling Jessica and fellow organiser Tanvia Holden’s target.

    “200 people turned up, so we were full to capacity — it went really well,” said Jessica.

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    “Someone wrote on Facebook that they would have paid £40 on the West End to see the show.

    “All the singers and dancers ran so smoothly, despite us never rehearsing!”

    Tanvia helped to organise the event in memory of her mum Debbie Whorton, who suffered a fatal heart attack last April.

    Debbie suffered from depression throughout her life and was involved with Rotherham and Barnsley MIND.

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    Debbie’s seven-year-old granddaughter Lucy Myers sang A Million Dreams, from the Greatest Showman, on the night.

    “Everyone was crying at that, it was lovely,” said trainee teacher Jessica, who now hopes the event can become an annual fundraiser.

    To donate to the event visit https://bit.ly/2UHxhRg.

    Related topics:MindJess GlynneRawmarshRotherham