Two Ipswich sisters have shown extraordinary dedication to their performing arts school by giving up Taylor Swift concert tickets to appear in their annual show, with younger sister Alice fulfilling her goal despite battling a brain tumour.
Why it matters: For Alice, performing in the show represented a personal goal she set herself after receiving her brain tumour diagnosis, making this year's performance especially significant.
The big picture: Both sisters have attended Stagecoach Performing Arts Ipswich for eight years, joining 70 other students in this year's annual performance.
A family's journey: Their mum Alex has seen firsthand what the stage school means to her daughters.
"Stagecoach has literally kept my girls going over the last three and a half years," she said. "It's something safe, and certain, in a world which can sometimes feel anything but for Rebecca and Alice."
What drives them: While Alice sometimes finds social settings challenging since her diagnosis, she remains determined to perform. Meanwhile, Rebecca says the school has helped her stay connected with friends and manage everyday worries.
Their principal Sarah has watched both sisters develop over the years: "Having seen Rebecca and Alice grow in our school over the last eight years, I can see first hand how performing arts has made a huge difference to their lives, including through the recent very difficult times."
The bottom line: While Taylor Swift plays to packed arenas worldwide, for these Ipswich sisters the real spotlight shines on the stage they call home. Visit https://www.stagecoach.co.uk/ipswich for more information about Stagecoach.
