AN INSPIRATIONAL Hampshire mum who had dedicated her life to helping intensive care patients following her own near-death experience has been chosen to fulfil every Strictly fan's dream.

Heather Parsons, from Romsey, is one of six heroes and heroines selected to take part in Strictly Come Dancing Comic Relief Special later this year.

She was nominated along with five other fans of the BBC1 show and will be paired with a professional dancer and train for weeks before stepping onto the dance floor.

Heather set up the charity Where There's A Will to support patients who have been treated in intensive care and their relatives having found herself fighting for her life 12 years ago.

Her life was saved by experts at Southampton General Hospital's Intensive Care unit after she developed a rare and aggressive soft tissue infection, which ravaged her body.

The charity raises money for follow-up support and rehabilitation for patients, like herself, discharged from the unit.

The four-part special Strictly series, which will air on BBC One in the lead-up to Comic Relief 2015, following the journey of six extraordinary individuals as they embark on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

They'll take part in their own televised Strictly experience and will perform for the nation in the famous Strictly Come Dancing ballroom.

Daily Echo:

2014 Strictly champions Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev

Charlotte Moore, Controller, BBC One, said: “BBC One is the TV home of ballroom dancing so where better to see deserving, real-life heroes and heroines experience the sparkling joy of Strictly and all for such a great cause in Comic Relief.”

Each contestant will then spend five weeks being immersed in the Strictly experience, as they prepare to become the new stars of the ballroom.

They will perform infront of the judges before a public vote to crown The People's Strictly champion as part of the live Comic Relief show on BBC One on March 13 2015.