Strictly Dance Proves to be an Incredible Night with Thousands Raised for Dr Kershaw’s and Willow Wood Hospice
25 Mar 2022 -- Posted by :
After months of training and fundraising, ten couples came together for a night to remember, raising vital funds for patient care.
Friday 11th March saw Dr Kershaw’s partner up with Willow Wood Hospice, to bring their very own version of Strictly Come Dancing to the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Dr Kershaw’s and Willow Wood Hospice’s dancers had been training for many weeks to perfect their dance moves in a bid to be crowned the Strictly Dance 2022 Winners and to be presented with the coveted glitterball trophy. Each dance couple took to the dance floor to showcase their moves, whilst also raising an incredible amount of money for their local hospice.
With over £28,000 raised to support patient care at Dr Kershaw’s, Strictly Dance, the first physical event since the start of the pandemic, proved to be a great success. Dr Kershaw’s dancers were set a collective fundraising total of £10,000 and surpassed their target reaching over £18,500. Along with ticket sales, a silent auction and raffle on the night also brought in much needed funds for both of the Greater Manchester hospices.
Dr Kershaw’s Trustee and Strictly dancer, Peter Wakefield, who performed the Waltz with Diane Atkins (who works as part of Dr Kershaw’s Caring Hands Team as a Health Care Assistant) said: "From two left feet to a Whisk and a Chasse! It was a fun and FAB-U-LOUS experience over a three month period with dance partner, Diane and teacher, Angela, but the best bit was the new friendships formed and raising a terrific amount for Dr Kershaw's, a charity very close to my heart"
Diane who was dancing in memory of her husband, Mark, who was cared for by Dr Kershaw’s, added: “It was such an amazing event, I cannot tell you how magical it was. I felt very privileged to be part of it, to dance and to feel the love and enjoyment from the audience. The atmosphere was electric, a room filled with happiness and joy. I had the best time, we all did, and to be honest I want to do it all over again! Strictly Dance 2022 will forever be in my heart and I will never forget it!”
Grace Carr, Dr Kershaw’s Strictly Dance Event Organiser said: “I am so proud of each and every one of our dancers, they worked incredibly hard to learn their dance moves and put in so much extra work to raise as much funds as possible, which will enable us to support and care for our patients when they need our help the most. The event was incredible, it was definitely a night to remember, and I am so thrilled with the amount raised so far for our Hospices. Congratulations to Billinda Dyson and Gary Campbell, our Strictly Dance 2022 Winners who danced the Paso Doble for Willow Wood Hospice!”
Grace added: “Thanks to the Strictly Dance sponsors Nisyst and Charities Buying Group, and also to everyone who supported this event including: Fierce Dance, Angela’s Dance, Tycoons, Accent Dance Company, Boundary Arts Centre, Sarah England School of Dance, Janice Hughes School of Dance, New Image PR, C&C Catering, Wedding Event Planners, Morrison’s Denton (flowers), Morrison’s Hyde (flowers), Morrison’s Dukinfield (flowers), Manchester College (hair and make-up), Katie Kelly and Cheryl Lomax from Glam and Go (hair and make-up), Stephanie Ivelle from Stephanie’s Studio (make-up), Guy Salmon Jaguar Land Rover Stockport (Land Rover Experience), Dr Kershaw’s Hospice Volunteers and Willow Wood Hospice Volunteers.”
If you would like to watch Dr Kershaw’s Hospice and Willow Wood Hospice battle it out for a chance of winning the coveted glitterball trophy go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyNjY8kckg4
To sign up as a Dr Kershaw’s dancer for Strictly Dance 2023, taking place on Friday 17th March 2023, contact Dr Kershaw’s Fundraising Team on 0161 624 9984 or fundraising@drkh.org.uk
Registered Charity Number: 1105924
Dr Kershaw’s Hospice
Turf Lane, Royton, Oldham OL2 6EU
phone: (0161) 624 2727