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Gala treat for brave Blackpool teen
A TEENAGER who was left blind and unable to walk after a throat infection is determined to return to school and finish A-Levels.
Elizabeth Smart was an energetic, bright student at King Edward VII and Queen Mary School in Lytham and a keen ice-dancer before she was struck down by illness in January.
The 17-year-old, who was admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital but has been transferred to Preston Royal Hospital's Rehabilitation Unit, will attend an ice skating gala at Blackpool Ice Arena to raise money for vital equipment when she returns home.
"We're All In This Together" will feature Alexei Kislitsyn and Natalia Pestova, stars of the Pleasure Beach's Hot Ice show and ITV's Dancing on Ice, the British Junior Pair Skating Champions, and more than 90 local amateur skaters.
Elizabeth's mum, Helen, of Bosworth Place, South Shore, said: "Lizzy is determined to get home, start walking again, and even finish her A-Levels.
"As well as the celebrity appearances, there will be a performance by her sister, Lydia, who's 10. She will be skating a really moving number to Wind Beneath my Wings."
Elizabeth, who achieved 11 A*, A and a B grade in GCSEs, was taken ill just after she started studying A-Levels. Her mum had to give her mouth to mouth resuscitation after she suddenly stopped breathing at home.
Mrs Smart said: "She'd just a sore throat, so it was a massive shock.
Because her brain was starved of oxygen, after she stopped breathing,
she couldn't talk or walk.
"She was taken to intensive care, then the stroke ward at Blackpool Victoria, and it was only in May, when she recovered consciousness, we discovered she was blind.
"The concert, being put on by John and Pauline Holden, Team Trainer of Blackpool Ice Twirlers, will mean we can buy equipment to care for Lizzy."
"Elizabeth said: "I just want to get better. I'm having physio, speech therapy and occupational therapy. I'd like to say thank you for all the support and to the people who have basically saved my life. They are great at the hospital.
"It's great that they've organised this gala and it's cute my sister will perform in it.
"I want to get back to normality, do my A-Levels then work towards a degree."
The gala will be on Saturday July 11 at Blackpool Ice Arena. Tickets 5 in advance or 6 on the door for adults, 3 in advance or 4 for children and OAPs. Family tickets (two adults and two children) 13 in advance and 14 on the door.
Call (01253) 341707 for tickets.
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Weather for Blackpool
Wednesday 30 May 2012
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Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
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