Chloe’s Story

  When Chloe’s injury threatened to put an end to her dancing dream, we funded surgery to get her back on her feet


When Chloe’s injury threatened to put an end to her dancing dream, we funded surgery to get her back on her feet

“Dancing is all I have ever done. I’ve had many injuries over the years but I never had to stop doing what I love. Then, two years ago, I woke up in agony in my left foot – I tried to walk and fell to the floor. The doctors carried out lots of tests and scans and eventually I was told I needed an operation.

“I went to the GP and was referred for lots of different scans and tests, but nothing was diagnosed. Again, the pain went away so I continued with my dancing training. I joined a specialist performing arts sixth form.

“During a dance competition, I ran across the stage and suddenly heard a loud ‘bang’. I wondered what the sound was, but as they say ‘the show must go on’ so I continued to perform, despite being in agony. After the competition, I had to rest my foot for six weeks – once the swelling had gone down, I discovered I no longer had an arch in my foot. Doctors then realised that the pain I had been experiencing was because my arch had been slowly collapsing.

“It became a serious problem. I could no longer dance properly. I couldn’t jump, I had no balance and couldn’t stand on one leg without falling over. Every time I tried to dance, my foot would swell up.

“I was then granted a full scholarship to Urdang, the best school for dance in the country. The previous year, I had been offered a place without funding which wasn’t an option as I couldn’t afford the fees. After I was offered the scholarship, I went to see the Urdang physiotherapists, but they didn’t know what was wrong and sent me home because I couldn’t dance.

“Finally, a specialist diagnosed that my arch had collapsed and that my spring ligament was overstretched. Unable to dance, I was forced to leave Urdang but, hopeful that I would be able to recover, I deferred my place for a year.

“I waited and waited for a date for the operation but months passed and I heard nothing. The consultant said my best bet would be to go private but we couldn’t afford it.

“My injury took a toll on everything I love. I thought it was the end of my dream.”

“Then, the Almoner from my dad’s Lodge put me in touch with the Masonic Charitable Foundation. I had my operation earlier this year. The prognosis is that I will be able to dance again and I hope to rejoin Urdang next year.”

“I can’t put into words how grateful I am. I wish I could sit down and personally thank everyone who has helped in any way – those who donate, the Almoners, the staff… I am eternally grateful.”