A YOUNG dancer has overcome a life-changing spinal condition and has returned to the stage to follow her dream.

Thirteen-year-old Alice Mcloughlin, a student at The Marist School in Sunninghill was diagnosed with adolescent scoliosis, a condition that affects growing youths for no reason.

Scoliosis is a disorder which means there is a sideways curve of the spine and it is known to shatter the dreams of young athletes.

A bleak future awaited, but a new minimum invasive surgery, not yet available in the UK, gave Alice and her parents hope.

The miracle surgery performed by world renowned Turkish spinal surgeon, Dr Ahmet Alanay, meant Alice could dance again and 12 weeks later, she was awarded a main part in ‘The Canterville Ghost’ performed by the prestigious London Children’s Ballet.

Alice’s mother, Eilish Mcloughlin, said: “We are all over the moon to see Alice dance again. It is a remarkable achievement for her considering all she has been through. This surgery has been an enormous success. 

“I want other parents to know that there is hope that their adolescent child can be treated for scoliosis and continue to be active in dance and sport activities.

“It is important that parents check their adolescents regularly for signs of scoliosis so that they can act quickly and get them treated."

The condition was first noticed by one of Alice’s coaches and upon examination it was discovered that her spine was at a 45 degree angle. Post surgery, the angle has decreased to 16 degrees.

Mrs Mcloughlin added: “You never really see your children’s back, unless you are swimming or on holiday so it was a great surprise to us when we found out Alice had scoliosis. I am just so glad we managed to catch it before it was too late.”

Post surgery, the angle has now decreased to 16 degrees as Alice continues to recover from her disorder.