A TEENAGE dancer has been nominated for an award for putting on a fundraising event in aid of a little girl who suffered a stroke when only six-years-old.

Antonia Usher of Eaton Socon raised more than �1,000 by organising the dance show at her school, Longsands College, six montsh ago. She has now been put forward for an award from Cambridgeshire Young People of the Year or YOPEY.

Molly Moore, from Offord Cluny, was born with PHACE syndrome. In 2009 she suffered a brain haemorrhage and massive stroke leaving her confined to a wheelchair and unable to move, speak or swallow.

Antonia knows Molly because her mum Anne is a teaching assistant at Molly’s school, Offord Primary.

Antonia was nominated by her teacher Daniel Glover, who said: “Antonia is a very keen dancer and gives up a huge amount of time to help coach younger pupils here at Longsands College.

“She combined her passion for dance with her desire to help others by organising a spectacular dance production to raise money for Molly.”

Antonia organised and choreographed the whole show, and even encouraged little Molly to appear on stage.

Being nominated for a YOPEY means Antonia is in with a chance to win a cash prize from a pot of �2000 put up by organisations across Cambridgeshire, including St Neots firm Life Plus and Huntingdon company EACS.

Antonia, who has just finished her GCSEs and will be studying childcare in September, said: “It was really hard work and took a couple of months to organise, but it was worth it. The show lasted around an hour, and everyone loved it.”

Molly’s mum, Katie, said: “Antonia’s efforts have really restored my faith in people. Without it we wouldn’t have been able to fill Molly’s bedroom with all the lovely lights, bunting, folding table and other bits. The money raised has been brilliant.”

YOPEY founder Tony Gearing said: “Antonia is a splendid example of someone who uses their own skills to inspire and help others.”

n There are just four days left to nominate an inspirational person aged 10 to 25 for a YOPEY award. To find out more go to www.yopey.org or send an SAE for an entry form to YOPEY, PO Box 236, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 1DP. Entries close on July 31.