Liverpool Theatre School is staging a special fundraising event to help a nine-year-old dance student access specialist neurological rehabilitation after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour earlier this year.
Harper Blu Murray is recovering after undergoing three major operations and has already made an emotional return to the stage.
The Aigburth performer appeared at Liverpool Theatre School’s end-of-year show at the Floral Pavilion, where she performed a solo just a few months after her third operation.
Her performance brought many members of the audience to tears.
Harper, who has been dancing since she was two years old, had spent months preparing the routine for a competition at St George’s Hall in February.
However, just two days before she was due to perform, doctors discovered a brain tumour.
Instead of taking part in the competition, Harper underwent a 10-hour craniotomy — the first of three major operations.
Determined to dance again, she began receiving one-to-one dance rehabilitation coaching from Liverpool Theatre School teacher Cally Reeve in April.
She returned to her regular dance classes several weeks later and has since been able to perform again.
However, Harper continues to experience difficulties with walking in a straight line due to damage to her optic nerve. She has also lost her peripheral vision.
Specialist neurological rehabilitation is considered a vital next step in helping her regain her independence and maximise her recovery following surgery.
Harper’s mum Nicola Murray said:
“The tumour had been growing since she was about three or four years old, but it was only when her eyesight deteriorated and she started getting double vision that she was sent to A&E at Alder Hey for a CT scan. Three days later she was having the first of three major operations. The tumour was the size of a tennis ball, and although it was benign, we were told it could’ve been life-threatening if left untreated.
“Harper never really complained or told us how bad the double vision was because she thought she’d have to give up dancing. The lasting effects of the tumour and the surgery mean she’s lost co-ordination in the left side of her body, and she’s had to learn how to sit up, stand up and walk again.
“I honestly think Harper’s passion for dance has helped her recovery. Doctors have said years of dance training have created muscle memory that’s helped preserve her ability to dance. She’s over the moon to be back at her dance classes and we’re hugely grateful to everyone who has supported her recovery journey so far. It’s so lovely that Liverpool Theatre School will bring other young dancers together for ‘Harper’s Day of Dance’, which will help her continue with the specialist neurological rehabilitation she needs.”
Liverpool Theatre School Principal Maxine Ellis said:
“Harper is determined to pursue her dance ambitions even after everything she’s been through, and we wanted to organise a special day for the city’s dance community to show their support. All young dancers are welcome to attend ‘Harper’s Day of Dance’, whether they train at Liverpool Theatre School or not.
“Watching Harper return to the stage during our summer showcase with the dance routine she’d perfected before her diagnosis was incredibly emotional for everyone. Performing the solo gave her a real confidence boost. We didn’t know whether she would manage it until the night before, but when she got up on stage there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. The whole show was dedicated to Harper, which made her performance even more poignant. We’re all so proud of her.”
Although Harper is receiving support from the NHS neurological rehabilitation team, her family said she faces a 12-month wait for occupational therapy.
Her family and friends are now aiming to raise £10,000 to fund private specialist neurological rehabilitation, physiotherapy, holistic support and tutoring while she waits for NHS treatment.
Liverpool Theatre School will donate all proceeds from Harper’s Day of Dance, which will take place on Monday, August 3.
The event will feature a full day of jazz technique, lyrical, contemporary and commercial dance classes led by tutors Cally Reeve, Chloe Cooper, Jack Byrne and Steph Morgan.
Participants will be divided into two age groups covering children aged seven to 11 and dancers aged 12 and over.
Classes will run from 10am until 3.15pm at Liverpool Theatre School.
Places cost £40 and must be booked in advance here.
Donations towards Harper’s rehabilitation can also be made through her online fundraiser here.
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