AN INSPIRING young girl from Flintshire is hosting an event with her mum to raise much-needed awareness for a cause close to her heart.

At just seven-years-old Dionne Shaw was diagnosed with adolescence scoliosis after multiple tests, physio and an MRI scan. She was told she would need to wear a back brace for 20-hours of the day - a reality no child should have to hear.

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine twists and curves to the side. It can affect people at any age, but most often starts in children.

Since then, Dionne has attended numerous checkups at The Robert Jones and Anges Hunt Rrthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry. However, her condition deteriorated drastically during the Covid-19 lockdown and a spine surgery was scheduled.

Dionne's spine before and after her surgeryDionne's spine before and after her surgery (Image: Lynette Vickers)
"It was absolutely heart breaking for us both", said Dionne's mum Lynette Vickers from Saltney.

Aged 11, Dionne received a date for her surgery at Alder Hay Children's Hospital in Liverpool. Thankfully, the operation went smoothly. She was discharged and took six-weeks off school to fully recover with an abundance of support and encouragement from friends and family.

In December 2023, Dionne was finally discharged from all care at Alder Hay as an outpatient. She has since decided to do everything she can to raise crucial awareness for scoliosis.

On July 30, a charity Bingo Night will be held at the Saltney Tavern in Chester from 6.15pm, supported by the Scoliosis Support and Research Team who have kindly donated t-shirts for the event. Lynette said the team has been "amazing" with the family since Dionne's diagnosis.

See their Just Giving page here.

Lynette adds: "Dionne wanted to do something to support everyone else who has just started this journey and wanted to do a fundraiser event so I came up the idea of a charity bingo night.

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"This event means so much to Dionne. She's been through so much for a 14-year-old."

Local business have also donated raffle prizes for the cause including; two meals at Nandos, Chester FC match day tickets, £15 Entertainer voucher, free game at Tenpin for six players, Zippys Playworld Chester, Dolce & Gabbana travel bag, Tesco gift vouchers, a free MOT at Foregate Garage, Thorntons chocolate, a river cruise, Ariana Grande fragrances, Wrexham Waterworld family swim pass, Deltaforce Paintball 3-hour session and plenty more.

Anyone is welcome to attend and all support is hugely appreciated by Dionne and her family.