Dance fundraiser for two young girls with rare disease

Nicole and Jessica Rich both suffer from Battens Disease a rare neurodegenerative disease with no known cure Credit: Nicole's Batten Journey Facebook Page

A night of dance and entertainment has been planned to raise much-needed funds to help a Newcastle family in their battle against a rare fatal disease.

The event is all in aid of The Nicole Rich Foundation, a charity set up by Gail and Matthew Rich from Throckley for their little girl Nicole.

Four-year-old Nicole Rich was diagnosed with Batten Disease after suffering from Global Developmental Delay, Epilepsy and short stature.

Batten Disease is an extremely rare fatal neurodegenerative condition for which there is currently no cure. It is expected that Nicole will not survive into her teens.

Within a year of her diagnosis, Nicole's development began to visibly decline, her seizures worsened, she became unsteady on her feet and needed support in drinking and feeding herself.

Nicole Rich Credit: Nicole's Batten Journey Facebook Page

Just before Christmas last year the Rich family, suffered a further devastating blow, after being told their younger daughter Jessica, has the same condition as big sister Nicole.

Four-year-old Nicole with little sister Jessica Credit: Nicole's Batten Journey Facebook Page

Encore Dance Entertainment and Newcastle Dance Centre are teaming up to put on the show with all proceeds going to The Nicole Rich Foundation: a charity set up to support the Rich Sisters, Nicole and Jessica, with their battle against Batten Disease.

Before diagnosis, Nicole was an NDC pupil and enjoyed coming to Nursery class and dancing with the other children.

Nicole Rich seen here on the left at dance class at Newcastle Dance Centre Credit: Family photo

Gemma Hay, Hayley Conway and the team at Newcastle Dance Centre decided to organise the show to raise money for the Rich family to help them care for Jessica and Nicole as well as raising awareness of this very rare condition.

The show, named "A Night for Nicole" will take place at The Miller Theatre at Royal Grammar School in Newcastle on:

  • Friday 3rd March – 7.00pm

  • Sunday 5th March – 1:30pm

If you are unable to attend the show, you can also support the family by making a donation.