A YOUNG woman whose career as a dancer was ended by a road accident has opened her heart about her ordeal.

Ceri Pritchard, 25, was a passenger on a motorbike when she was hit by a car as she travelled from a performance while in Cyprus.

Ceri, originally of Trelawnyd, will never be able to dance again after the bike’s exhaust burned her leg following the crash two days before her birthday.

She said: “The car was on the wrong side of the road. It drove into us.

“The bike landed on my leg and the exhaust was burning me. I could smell the flesh burning. I couldn’t get the bike off me.

“A witness pulled it off my leg, if not I would have been dead. I am grateful my life has been spared. I’ve been left with a scar, but I’m still here.”

After the crash in April 2009, Ceri spent five weeks in hospital before being flown home and has undergone countless operations and skin grafts on her right leg.

The court case has yet to be completed in Cyprus and she is now desperate to draw a line under the experience.

A further hearing is expected to take place in September.

“I thought I may never walk again,” said Ceri.

“But I was determined to get back on my feet.

“It burned through the skin, muscle and fat. When I was in hospital, I could feel it. It felt like I was being tortured.

“I couldn’t feel my feet. I still can’t feel part of my leg because of the nerve damage.

“I hope I get justice. They should not be driving. They could hurt somebody else. I want to get the court case over and my operations out of the way and put it behind me.”

Despite having her career as a professional dancer snatched away, Ceri is remaining positive and is now raising money and awareness for the Katie Piper foundation. The charity gives a better life to people who have suffered from burns.

Ceri, who now lives in Prestatyn, said: “I don’t have the confidence to wear bare legs. At the moment I am back and forward to hospital.

“Through the foundation I have met new friends and I am finally getting a piece of the old me back again.

“The charity has really helped me and Katie herself has helped me with my confidence.”

A charity night will take place on Thursday, September 8, at the Clock Tower in Mostyn, between 8pm and midnight.

There will be live singing and dancing, surprise guests, a prize draw and auctions and Ceri would like to hear off businesses who could donate prizes to the event.

Performers confirmed for the event include Paula Martine, Nik Turner, Pretty Girl Rock, Hollywood Dreams, Jade Pritchard and Gemma Jones.

Ceri said: “Flintshire is my home and I used to take part in charity shows in the clock tower. I thought it would be nice to organise a show there.

“When I recover I want to concentrate on singing and start performing in clubs and pubs in the area.”

For more information or to book tickets call 01745 888943 or email ceriann1986@yahoo.com or visit www.justgiving.com/ceri-pritchard0