Tonight we hear from a woman from Barking who is bringing her inspirational life story to the big stage.
Sharlene Carter has secured £15,000 funding from Arts Council England to tell the dramatic tale of how her life changed forever in 2005 when her mum was diagnosed with Ataxia Cerebellar, a brain disease that affects speech and mobility, leaving her in a wheelchair.
The 33-year-old, who lives in Margaret Bondfield Avenue, has spent her entire life dancing and decided to take the unique step of telling her story through the world of dance.
The 60-minute play will explore Sharlene’s story and cover a range of themes from the daily battles of living with a disability through to the government and the NHS.
As well as receiving the funding from Arts Council England, Sharlene had support from Barking and Dagenham Council.
The show will take place at The Broadway Theatre, Barking, between 20 and 22 September, with the final date marking 13 years of Sharlene’s mum being in a wheelchair.
Tickets for My Journey will cost £12 and will be on sale from The Broadway Theatre website at the end of July.
