A talented dancer who has overcome a range of health obstacles is hoping to live out her dream in New York.

A GoFundMe page has already raised £2,000 towards a £10,000 target to help 15-year-old Olivia Young of Bacup further her dancing career in the Big Apple.

Olivia, known as Liv to her family, started dancing at 18-months-old and was competing on stage by at three.

Dancing has been Liv's passion since the very beginning and has been a place of 'comfort and reassurance' ever since, said her mu Jeni.

Jeni, who is co-founder of Understanding Autism North West, posted: “From a young age Liv has struggled with situational mutism and was diagnosed as autistic at the age of five.

“Unable to speak in most situations and daunted by the unfamiliar rules of everyday living, the rules of dance enabled her to embrace the comfort of performance.

“Liv's desire to dance has been the driving force to overcoming obstacles that professionals said would stop her from being able to pursue her dream to dance.

"Liv's relentless bombardment of struggles have been met with commitment and belief and secured by pockets of immeasurable love and support from some truly amazing people."

Despite her struggles, which include, autism, situational mutism, Tourette’s syndrome, functional neurological disorder and anxiety, Liv has excelled.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Jeni added: “Her hard work, determination and courage has secured a place with part scholarship at the prestigious Joffery Ballet School in New York to train in pre-professional jazz and contemporary.

“She is flying the flag for the neurodivergent community showing how with the right support, anything is possible.”

Donations will support Olivia with her living expenses and training in New York and also provide accommodation, travel and food and help her to access the support she needs to succeed. 

You can support by visiting the 'Give Liv the chance to reach her full potential' GoFundMe page.