Abbie, who had retinoblastoma as a toddler, is now aged 18 and a talented dancer and artist. We spoke to Abbie about her talents:
I love being creative whether this is using my body or drawing. I love dancing because it is expressive, fun and I get to move around a lot. I love drawing portraits of people, usually my favourite singers or actors. I started dancing when I was one-years-old in my mum’s dancing class and took part in my first dancing show three months after being treated for retinoblastoma at 19 months.
I have always drawn and painted and enjoyed making things. I used to come home from preschool with huge creations and pictures!! Last year there was an exhibition of my artwork at Lantern Arts Centre. I was very proud to be able to let other people see what I had drawn.
I have just completed my grade 6 ballet exam. In my dancing I find it harder to turn to the left as I have a prosthetic left eye. It hasn’t stopped me but means I just have to try harder or adapt the dances. I am currently studying A-level dance and a teaching certificate for freestyle dance. I look forward to helping children learn some dances.
