AN aerial performer with cerebral palsy has inspired her circus school to take action now she will no longer receive mobility funding.

Sophie Brown, 30, from Colchester, has been learning the art of aerial hoop since last November.

The limited strength in her legs means she is aided by crutches and struggles to walk more than five-yards.

It cost £2,000 to adapt her car for disabled use, which has now been stripped of its modifications after Miss Brown failed an assessment for mobility funding.

Although she will continue to receive some disability benefits, she is thousands of pounds down and without a means of transport.

Danielle Sosta, 27, who teaches Miss Brown at her academy, Flight Aerial Arts, in West Bergholt, was outraged when she heard the news.

To help raise money towards the cost of a new car, the school is hosting a special showcase, on Friday, July 22, at Colchester Institute, from 7pm.

Gazette:

Staff and students, including Miss Brown, will perform their take of a magical tour of an enchanted forest with belly dancers and fire performers.

Miss Sosta explained it was important to not just donate the money to Sophie, but have an audience pay for a product.

She said: “All the students are pleased to help and Sophie is just as excited because she’s working towards something with us.

“To learn to drive it cost Sophie £50 per lesson and she paid for the car thinking she would get the money back, so it’s just unfair.

“I teach her privately at the studio but she met everyone through last year’s show so we’re like a family now.”

Outside of the studio, Miss Brown is an active rower and performer, who featured on stage in Trafalgar Square with a disabled aerial hoop group.

Her disability also affects her memory so she uses repetition to remember the different techniques and routines.

Miss Sosta said: “It’s been amazing teaching Sophie. At times she finds it a real challenge but is one of the best students I’ve had because she’s so determined and is constantly on the equipment.

“She’s stubborn but that’s what makes her work so hard and never give up.

"We’ve worked on the show for about six months and want to sell all 250 tickets so we’re at max capacity. It’s about raising as much as we can.”

Tickets cost £12.50. Call 07595 894525 or visit https://flightaerial.yapsody.com.

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/flight-aerialshow.