Congratulations to our HemiHelp book giveaway winners!

2 mins read

Friday 20 August 2021

Tags: competition, disability inclusion, HemiHelp, hemiplegia

Prizewinner Romana reading her copy of Oti's book
Prizewinner Romana reading her copy of Oti’s book

Well done to the winners of our competition to win a signed copy of BBC Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse’s new disability-inclusive children’s book, ‘Dance with Oti: The Bird Jive’!

Congratulations to Alexandra, Harry, P James and Romana!

‘Dance with Oti: The Bird Jive’ follows a class of children as they meet at Mrs Oti’s dance studio for the very first time. Some are nervous, some are excited. We follow them as they learn The Bird Jive and are surprised by an unexpected visitor!

Oti worked with our HemiHelp team to research her character Martin, who has hemiplegia, and Naira, who has a cochlear implant.

We were lucky enough to have four signed copies to give away in a raffle. A huge well done to our winners, including Romana above!

Oti says of her book: “I wanted my book to make all children feel included and show that dance is for everyone! I believe my dancer Martin is the first character with hemiplegia in a non-specialist picture book.

“As part of my research, I got in touch with a fantastic charity called Contact, which supports UK families with disabled children – whatever their disability or medical condition – with the vital advice and information they need.

“I was blown away by all the services Contact offers families just like Martin and Naira’s in my story. As well as support for families living with hemiplegia through the charity’s HemiHelp service, Contact also offers a free parent helpline, workshops, parent guides, and the other practical and emotional support which Contact provides to thousands of families every year.”