Carshalton’s dad dances in T-shirt skirt for the hospital that saved his life

A Carshalton dad signed up to his daughters dance class in a T-shirt skirt to raise money for the hospital that saved her life as a child.

On May 21, Lewis Hughes joined his two daughters, Ava and Alexis, at Hackbridge’s TheatreBug Dance club to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

After the class, which left everyone giggling, Lewis told Your Local Guardian: “Today was awkward to say the least.

“It’s not every day I get into a costume like this, but it was all for a great cause.

“Great Ormond Street Hospital was very close to me as I was there for the better part of six months when I was seven.”

(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand)

Lewis was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, which is a rare muscle disorder, when he was seven years old.

After weeks of being “ignored and undiagnosed” by his GP, Lewis spent six months on Great Ormond Street.

He suffered frequent falls and was unable to use his arms to break his falls.

He also had to physically close his jaw to eat because his muscles weren’t working.

Doctors were concerned about his heart and warned him that if he hadn’t been admitted when he was, there was a significant risk he wouldn’t have survived.

Although it was originally intended to be just for laughs, Lewis’ wife Lisa realized that joining the class would be a great way for him to raise money for the charity.

TheatreBug Dance teacher Zoe Hughes led the class through a new routine they performed to Tangled’s When Will My Life Begin?

(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand)

She said: “Normally we do the Father’s Day event where we invite the students’ fathers to participate in routines and things like that.

“We’re mainly doing this to raise awareness but we thought it would be nice to get Lewis in kit and all that jazz so he can get involved and raise money for Great Ormond Street.”

Lewis’ daughter Ava said: “Today was really interesting and my dad made me laugh and I enjoyed it.”

Lewis has raised more than £200 and hopes to continue raising more.

Anyone can donate to Lewis on his JustGiving page.

Lewis said: “Any amount, big or small, would be greatly appreciated to help fund the amazing work this charity does to help save children’s lives and support families in their worst possible time .

“Great Ormond Street is the only charity you’ll catch me in a T-shirt for.”