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Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips was charmed by winning Florrie Bark’s smile and spirit at the Pride of Britain Awards earlier this week
Dame Arlene Phillips is backing our campaign to help Pride of Britain Child of Courage Florrie Bark raise £1million for her children’s cancer charity
The dancer, choreographer and former Strictly judge met the inspirational eight-year-old with an indomitable spirit at the 25th Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards.
Stars flocked to the event, held in association with TSB. But for Arlene, it was little Florrie who shone the brightest. She said: “It’s her smile, her laugh, her giggle… It’s like life itself. I donated – please do the same if you can.”
Florrie was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in 2022. She is now waiting for a lung transplant, after chemotherapy damaged her organs. The youngster cannot go to school because of her condition, but she has been keeping busy, launching Bemorefab to help with education and support for other kids in her position – and our campaign, launched in the Mirror, aims to boost its funds.
Florrie has also been making TikTok videos to raise awareness of child cancer and lift the spirits of other young patients. She has over 150,000 followers, but gained even more fans after Pride of Britain aired on ITV on Thursday.
Donations from our readers have helped boost Bemorefab’s funds to more than £112,000. Arlene said: “She wants to raise £1million. Please help Florrie.
“All she is concerned about is encouraging the children in the same situation as her to find themselves… to lose their fear and smile.” Florrie lives in Corby, Northants, with her mum Stacey, 34, dad Andrew, 35, and brother Freddie, 10. Arlene, 81, said: “When you meet her, you can see she is ready to take on the world.
“I don’t think there is a photo of her where she isn’t beaming. She has the greatest spirit I have seen – there is nothing Florrie can’t, or won’t do.”
