As everyone knows I have recently been off sick recovering from brain surgery. I don't wish to dwell on the past but would like to look ahead into the future. The world is filled with endless possibilities – all you have to do is grab everyone – while you have the chance.

Life isn't always a bed of roses. When I was younger I always lived for Saturdays, that was my main day I took my dancing classes. I'd often sit day dreaming of the next one as the memories of the previous faded away. When I was aged 11, I moved dancing schools and that was the start of something really special in my life. The new dance school was named The Broomfield Academy; it certainly did not look like much from the outside but inside a whole new world was waiting for me!

I'd go there almost every night... It wasn't easy for my Mum she struggled to pay for classes, on top of that, there was always a new costume I needed or an exam fee to pay. But it is what defined me as an individual. I wanted to see my name up in lights and was, at the time, determined to give it everything I had. When I was due to leave sixth form I applied and got accepted to dance college but my life was never that simple! I had lots of American influences and they talked me into deferring and going over there to spend a year. I don't regret it, how could I? I was living in Tarpon Springs, Florida. In the sunshine everything looks and feels nicer, I was going to the beach at Clearwater and let me tell you, life was a beach! I don't think I would have ever been a dancer anyway, it takes so much commitment and dedication, I was more interested in boys and hair and makeup! I carried on dancing over there and starred in a production of Fame – so I guess my name did get up in lights after all!

Dancing isn't just about the steps but it is about the friendships that you form. Your dancing friends are unlike any of your other friends because they have the same belief and high expectations. I still have the same set of friends I made all those years ago when I first step foot in The Broomfield Academy. Just last week, I went to have brunch with Julie and Suzanne, who I have pictures of from years ago. In Suzanne case when she just nine years old. I still have contact with a few others, mostly they attend the adult class, some I have kept in contact through things like birthday parties, weddings and christenings. They have all been there for me, given me so much love and encouragement throughout my recovery process.

I took my niece, Hannah, to Broomfield's so she could experience the same sense of belonging that I had felt there. I didn't expect my other two niece's to follow but they did. Some of you may have seen Samantha perform at the Crystal Boot Awards, her debut was as part of The Cuban Pete dance!

The hardest thing for me was the thought that I would never dance again. It has been such a battle for me but a few weeks ago I returned to the dance floor. The brain tumour the surgeon removed had been there possibly since birth. It is so weird to think that something has been growing inside me for most of my life. Everyone thought I was going to die and my partner, Colin, got told that was the case. When I first came around in hospital I couldn't even tell you the opposite of hot!

When I look back now it is hard to believe it ever really happened – I'm so well, happy and healthy. Last June, Colin was told he would still be brushing my teeth at Christmas. Not only was I brushing my own teeth but I was doing other things as well!

I want to let go of those dark days – they all seem like they are such a distant memory – one that I would rather forget and leave in the past. I got so many wonderful people in my life. I've been so blessed! I don't know how to say thank you – even people I've never met – thank you!