Latics legend Frank gets ready to dance for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice

Hugely popular local businessman and Latics saviour Frank Rothwell is just one of the 16 amateur dancers competing in the Dr Kershaw’s Strictly competition on Friday, February 28.

The musicals-themed event at Oldham’s Queen Elizabeth Hall will raise much-needed funds for the hospice.

Dr Kershaw’s Hospice is also inviting local businesses to donate auction prizes.

Rehearsals are now underway for the Dr Kershaw’s Strictly dancing competition, which will see eight couples compete to raise funds for the beloved Oldham hospice.

Inspired by the popular BBC show, the musicals-themed event will be taking over Oldham’s Queen Elizabeth Hall on Friday, February 28, from 7pm.

There, 16 dancers will compete in front of a live audience and a panel of judges in the hope of being crowned the Dr Kershaw’s Strictly Glitterball Champion.

One of the dancers has been revealed as none other than the chairman and co-owner of Latics, Frank Rothwell.

Frank (pictured below) has played a huge role in Dr Kershaw’s’ fundraising success over the years, including serving as a judge on their Junior Dragons’ Den panel.

He joked that he entered the competition “to show my kids there is still something in the old dog.”

His fellow contestants include people whose family members or loved ones have received care at the hospice, and those living with serious health conditions.

Development manager and Bay City Rollers fan Shirley Elliott is currently battling cancer, after losing her sister to the illness.

Shirley said she is looking forward to honouring her memory and learning how to dance, adding: “I wanted to do this for myself and my sister.”

In 2024, the event raised an incredible £26,000 for patients and their families.

This year, Dr Kershaw’s Hospice hopes to raise even more to support patients across Oldham and beyond.

Alice Entwistle, Fundraising Events Lead at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, said: “We are so grateful to the Oldham community for getting behind our Strictly event – especially our sponsors, Landlord Furniture Company and Grains Bar Hotel.

“While tickets have now sold out, there are so many ways to get involved.

“You can sponsor our individual dancers through our JustGiving page, and we’ll be sharing all of their stories and behind-the-scenes updates on our social media channels.

“Plus we’re inviting local businesses to donate to our raffle and auction prizes – this could be anything from experience days to gift cards and services.

“Your help could make a huge difference!”

To sponsor the dancers online, visit: www.drkh.org.uk/strictly

To donate an auction prize, please contact: fundraising@drkh.org.uk

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