When Kiwi singer-producer Hollie Smith stood on stage and sang a breathtaking rendition of her hit song Wonderful World three years ago, a young Mela McLeod danced behind her, unaware a blossoming friendship was unfolding.
During the gala dinner event for the charity Cure Kids, the talented duo bonded over their shared nerves at performing in front of a packed room. Today, they're closer than ever, with Hollie even stepping in as one of Mela's key supporters when she suffered a freak dancing accident in 2020, which left her unable to walk.
"After Mela had her accident, I was asked to send a video of support to her," recalls Auckland-based Hollie, 39, who is now part of a designer pyjama fundraiser for Cure Kids, dubbed Great Full Jams. "I thought, Stuff that', and went and saw her in person. I visited every day I could and became really close with the family.
"I have a lot of love for them and Mela's mum Tiff is one of the strongest people I've met. They're an amazing family unit and have been through a lot."
Mela's accident occurred when she fell during a dancing jump, damaging a major nerve in her back that caused immense pain. It also made the aspiring make-up artist, 16, jerk uncontrollably. But having returned to school and now regaining strength in her back, Mela's recovery has been another miracle for her family, which has already endured so much.
This story is from the June 13, 2022 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
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This story is from the June 13, 2022 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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