The brave 18-year-old from Hepscott Park died in January after being diagnosed with a rare blood disorder.

Now the Teenage Cancer Trust at Newcastle's RVI is set to benefit from money raised at a 'dance-a-thon' .

The former King Edward VI School pupil first became ill last Summer, when he was diagnosed with leukaemia.

Then in October doctors discovered he was suffering from another illness too, explained his father, Enrico. "They found he had a very rare blood disorder called haemophagocytic. There have only been a few recorded cases worldwide."

"His leukaemia went into remission very quickly but he had 300 blood transfusions. But it wasn't the leukaemia that was the problem, it was the blood disorder."

Mr Petini said Dan's diagnosis came as a major blow to the rest of the family — his mum Janet and brothers Matthew and Joseph.

"He was very fit and sporty — a real fitness fanatic. He danced, boxed and was just incredibly fit so it was a massive shock."

When he died Dan was studying sports science at Northumberland College and his tutor Eileen Baron, along with Dan's friends, has organised the 'Dance for Dan' event at Hirst Welfare in Ashington on Friday, March 14.

During the 12 hour event more than 60 people will try to keep moving for as long as they can. Organisers have roped in professional dance teachers to help keep participants motivated.

As well as hip-hop and salsa, dancers will be able to try breakdancing, disco and can even join in with a tea dance.

Mr Petini is delighted with plans to raise money for the charity, which aims to improve the lives of young people with cancer. The family has already started its own fundraising efforts to help other teenagers in Dan's position.
"People usually take part in events organised by the Teenage Cancer Trust when they go into maintenance, but unfortunately Dan was too poorly so he didn't get the opportunity to do that."


Tickets for the event, which includes a tombola and raffle, cost £2 and are available from eileen.baron@northland.ac.uk