TWO passionate young dancers from Helensburgh have been chosen to represent Scotland in a cheerleading championship - but they need your help.
Thirteen-year-olds Orlagh O'Donnell and Amy Mcilroy, who both dance at The Dance Academy, were chosen to represent Team Scotland at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships in Florida in April 2025.
And even though Amy has been dancing at the school on East Princes Street for six years, and Orlagh for four, this is their first international competition.
They currently both train in a range of dance styles from jazz, tap, ballet, highland, pom, and gymnastics.
They said: "This is a dream come true for both of us, and we couldn't be more excited and proud to have this opportunity to showcase our skills on the world stage.
"We are both members of the TDA's competition team, where we've been training hard in various dance styles to prepare for this moment.
"This will be our very first international competition, and we are determined to make Scotland proud.
"Dance isn't just a hobby for us - it's our passion and our future. We both aspire to become dance teachers one day, sharing our love for dance with the next generation."
However, the girls need the help of Helensburgh and Lomond to achieve their dream as the once-in-a-lifetime trip is going to cost £5,000 for travel, accommodation, uniforms and competition fees.
Along with a GoFundme page, there will also be a fundraiser Hallowe'en disco at The Bridge in Helensburgh on Saturday, October 26 from 6-7.30pm where there will be a DJ, games, glitter tattoos and a raffle.
They added: "We are training tirelessly every single day to be the best we can be, not just for ourselves, but for our team and our country.
"Representing Scotland is a once-in-a-lifetime, and with the help of the community we could make it happen. Your support would mean the world to us and would help us get one step closer to achieving our dreams.
"Any donation, big or small, will make a huge difference and bring us closer to our goal. We promise to work our hardest and make you all proud."
And proud parents Jen and Andrew O'Donnell told the Advertiser: "We are beyond incredibly proud of the girls. It is an amazing opportunity for them and it will give them more confidence.
"They have been working so hard together to chase their dream and we just want to do everything we can to help them. We just hope that people in our incredible town can help get behind them.
"We want to say a huge thank you to The Dance Studio for believing in the girls and helping to make their dream become a reality."
To donate to the fundraiser search Amy and Orlagh Go Stateside on GoFundMe.
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