For a company which deals in hopes and ambitions, Razzamataz Theatre Schools is bringing the curtain up on a cavalcade of charity events which will help bring hope to youngsters across the UK.

For the first act, the Ayr branch of the smash hit organisation – which brings quality dance, drama and music classes to British children – is staging a stunning Showcase this summer to raise funds for the Vanessa Riddle appeal.

Vanessa is the little girl from Loans in Ayrshire who is suffering from a severe form of cancer called neuroblastoma and needs potentially life-saving treatment from doctors in the US.

Her family celebrated last month (March) when friends, celebrities and members of the public rallied round and raised the fabulous target figure of £500,000 in just seven weeks.

But 11-year-old Vanessa’s dad Chris called on people to continue with any fundraising events they had planned so that money not needed for Vanessa can be used to help another child or cause.

With this in mind, Razzamataz’s Ayr branch, supported by company owner Denise Hutton Gosney is planning a showbiz spectacular in June, featuring Razzamataz students and teachers in an explosion of street dance, pop songs and musical pieces.

Denise said: “This will be a great night. We are delighted that Vanessa is likely to get the treatment she needs in America and we want to do all we can to help her and other children who might face a blow as severe as this.”

Denise, who now has 40 schools in Britain from Ayr to Yeovil, providing first class tuition for four to 18-year-olds, is making her own charitable effort this summer in response to the tragic death of a good friend and colleague at the age of just 23.

The 39-year-old entrepreneur and former showbiz dancer is going to undertake the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge in August, which involves scaling Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in Cumbria and Snowdon in Wales.

Denise said: “We will be aiming to complete the course within 24 hours which is quite daunting! My friend left behind a disabled younger sister, so my sponsorship money will be going to Carlisle Mencap, which is a great charity helping disabled children.”

This month, Denise, a qualified Zumba instructor, will also be holding a Zumbathon in aid of Carlisle Mencap. Already 30 people have signed up for the energetic three-hour marathon in the DW Sports Centre in Carlisle on April 22 with the aim of raising at least £2500.

Denise said: “Razzamataz staff have raised nearly £10,000 for children who just need that little extra bit of help and we are delighted to be able to continue to do so. It’s good for everyone to be able to give something back.”

The Razzamataz Future Fund is a registered charity that aims to provide full time training to one lucky youngster attending our schools within the UK from 2014!