Defying doctors orders to dance at the Olympics

Jul 26 2012 by Jo-Anne Rowney, Buckinghamshire Examiner

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A MEMBER of an amateur dramatic society who thought she would never walk again is set to dance in the Olympic opening ceremony.

Amber Ould, 27, a member of the Chesham Panda Players, made it through the gruelling auditions last year to be one of the 10,000 people performing at tomorrow’s (Friday) opening ceremony.

The dance teacher who lives in The Groves, Amersham, had a car accident five years ago and was told she would never walk again, but she has battled to get back on her feet.

Miss Ould, who works with the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts and local musical groups, said: “I was told I’d would never walk again, let alone dance. I’m just happy to be dancing. If you told me then I would perform at the Olympics I wouldn’t have believed it.

“My friends would tell anyone I’m the most unlucky person. I had the car accident, a hernia, then an eye operation seven hours after. I also lost my dad.

“I think I’m a happy person and when things happen the best thing is to pick myself up. Life is too short and it all seems worth it now.”

She added: “As a dance teacher it’s important to be able to inspire the people you teach – this definitely does that. I know I will never do anything bigger than this. This is my rollercoaster.

“It’ll be something I can tell my children and their children, or show it – my mum is recording it.”

Miss Ould is currently taking part in the final dress rehearsals. Her dance section will be performing at 9.57pm for 13 minutes.

She said: “We had a dress rehearsal on Monday night with 20,000 people watching us. At the final run through there will be 70,000. It was an incredible feeling seeing it all come together. There’s a real sense of pride. It’s a once in a life time opportunity.”

But she is remaining tight lipped when it comes to the finer details.

“Everyone will have to wait and see. I’ve been really good and kept the secret.”