A former Denby Dale Downs Syndrome dancer is in line for top awards.
Jen Blackwell, 33, has been nominated along with her mum Sue to win two gongs at the North West women only Enterprise Vision Awards (EVA) for their DanceSyndrome company, which helps those with learning disabilities realise their dreams.
Jen, who is also vice chair of Xylophone orchestra Xylosound in Slaithwaite, has been put on the short list with Sue, who still lives in Denby Dale, for most inspiring women and best health and fitness initiative due to their work since 2010, when they set the business.
They will now vie with four other contestants in each category for the accolades.
Sue, 59, who was nominated for supporting Jen to achieve her aims through the company, said: “It’s wonderful news.
“We were nominated by colleagues and we just didn’t expect to make it into the shortlist.
“The best thing about it is that this contest is open to all women regardless of whether they have a disability or not so we’re all competing on an even playing field.
“Jen got to the final of the Learning Disability Awards earlier this year so to achieve the same success in an awards like this is another level and shows how much the organisation has progressed since it was founded.”
Jen organises workshops throughout the north west where she now lives for disabled and non-disabled people who get to lead classes and choreograph dances together.
She was determined to become a dance teacher from 19 when she left school.
Now the pair need people to vote for them in the awards, which are decided by the public.
Sue said: “It would send out such a powerful message if we were to win because it would demonstrate that everyone can reach their dreams, whatever their circumstance, and have a right to belong.”
To vote for the pair, go to www.enterprisevisionawards.co.uk and click on the ‘finalists’ section.
