Member Article

Young mum launches business in baby son's memory

A YOUNG mother whose eight month old son lost his battle with an incurable genetic condition has launched her own business in his memory.

Shannon Wright dreamt of setting up her own dance school after years of performing on stages around the world.

And when the 24-year-old’s little baby boy Jaiden passed away just months after being diagnosed with SMA Type 1 (Spinal Muscular Atrophy), Shannon decided to turn her dream into a reality and launch Jaiden’s Dancing Stars (JD*S) with the dual purpose of teaching people of all ages and abilities how to dance and to fundraise for the SMA Trust.

Shannon, who lives in Peterlee, said: “I started dancing when I was three years old and I had the opportunity to perform in some wonderful places, including London, Scotland, Australia and a little closer to home in Newcastle.

“When I had Jaiden last year my plan was to give it until he was maybe three or four and in preparation, whilst caring for Jaiden, I would jot down ideas that sprung to mind.”

Sadly just a few months after birth, Jaiden was diagnosed with the incurable SMA and in September last year he passed away.

Shannon, who was trained professionally through a Scholarship at London’s prestigious Laine Theatre Arts, continued: “At first I didn’t know what to do with myself. It was such a hard time for us all and I felt numb. But then I thought, what better way to keep Jaiden’s memory alive than to pursue my dream of starting the dance school. And I just knew I had to do it when I found my doodle pad containing all my ideas – it was like a sign from Jaiden to go for it.

“Jaiden’s Dancing Stars is for everyone and for me it is the perfect way of making a lasting tribute to my son and continue fundraising for the SMA Trust to help them find a cure. This is for my baby boy and my ultimate goal is to make him proud.”

Shannon has created a studio for Jaiden’s Dancing Stars which is located on the North West Industrial Estate in Peterlee and offers dance and fitness classes in everything from ballet, jazz, tap and contemporary to street dancing, BOKWA and toning. It is open to people of all ages from tiny tots to more accomplished adults.

Shannon is also maximising the appeal of the venture by arranging for boot camp sessions and general fitness classes to be held at her studio. Hire of the studio will also be available and Shannon is looking for a skilled beautician and nail technician to provide treatments which will complement the business.

Shannon added: “I feel so positive about the dance school and the fact that I’ve set it up in Jaiden’s memory makes me even more determined to make it a success.”

Shannon’s mam Pauline Wright said: “My daughter and grandson are so precious to me and what Shannon has been through is heart rending but through the creation of her dance and fitness school, she is determined that some good will come from it in honour of Jaiden. I am so proud of her.”

JD*S Mission Statement is ‘Never Give Up’. Shannon explains: “For Jaiden, I will never give up raising awareness and as much money as possible for the SMA Trust. I want to help find a cure so that no other baby has to struggle fighting the illness and no parents have to suffer the heartache that we are all still suffering “

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Leanne English .