Mica defies illness and steps into the spotlight (From The Northern Echo)

Mica defies illness and steps into the spotlight

4:01am Monday 3rd March 2008 in

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IF nine-year-old Mica Newcomb's life story was made into a play, the script would seem far-fetched.

But next week, she will tread the boards alongside two West End stars, despite suffering from a rare kidney disease.

Mica, from St Helen Auckland, County Durham, has fought against autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease since she was born.

The rare and potentially lethal genetic condition means that she needs regular hospital treatment and has a gastrostomy button - a feeding tube - to help her eat.

Only a few weeks ago, she was at Birmingham Children's Hospital for treatment, but she refuses to let the illness stop her from doing what she loves best - singing and performing.

Now she has won a role in Hello, Dolly! at Darlington Civic Theatre between March 10 and March 15, which stars Darren Day and former EastEnders actress Anita Dobson.

"I'm very excited about it," said Mica, who is a member of Stagecoach Theatre Arts, in Bishop Auckland, and was chosen by producers for the role. She said: "I like performing and singing and I want to be a performer when I'm older."

Mica lives with her parents, Brian Newcomb, 46, and Tracey Reynolds, 43, who have helped raised thousands of pounds for Newcastle RVI, where she has been treated.

Ms Reynolds said: "I'll be ecstatic when I see her on that stage. I'll be in tears.

"She has her illness, but she just copes with it. She was born with it and she has grown up with it. She just tries not to let it hold her back, and tries to make her life normal."

"She'll have a go at anything. I am so proud of her - she's overcome the odds."

Mica, who attends Copeland Road Primary School, West Auckland, recently won a Staindrop Comprehensive School singing competition.

Kate Ruddick, principal of the theatre group Mica has attended for the past three years, said: "She's very talented. She's got an amazing voice.

"She has this condition, but she and the other kids don't really think about it. She's such a strong girl. She just likes performing and she puts her heart and soul into it."