Thousands raised on ballroom floor with Dr Kershaw's 'Strictly Dance'

Strictly Dance 2022 Contestants

Ten couples have helped to raise thousands of pounds for Dr Kershaw's and Willow Wood hospices in their own version of 'Strictly Come Dancing'

The dancers took to the floor at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on Friday, after months of careful training and choreography.

Couples representing Dr Kershaw's and Willow Wood were competing to be crowned the Strictly Dance 2022 winners, and win the coveted glitterball trophy.

With over £24,000 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 winner with the audience, contestants, and fundraising teams.

Dr Kershaw’s dancers were set a collective fundraising total of £10,000 and surpassed their target reaching £13,439 with further funds still to be added. Ticket sales, a silent auction and raffle on the night also brought in much needed funds for both hospices.

Dr Kershaw’s Trustee and Strictly dancer, Peter Wakefield, who performed the Waltz with Healthcare Assistant, Diane Atkins 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 priviliged 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!”

Event organiser, Grace Carr, said she was proud of all the 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 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 you can watch on YouTube.  

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