Novices take to the dancefloor to raise more than £42,000 for St. Luke’s Hospice

Dance novices took to the dancefloor on Saturday (14^thMarch) in a Strictly-inspired fundraising event for St. Luke’s Hospice, helping to raise a staggering £42,000 for the charity. 

The popular fundraiser, which is now its fourth year, sees budding dancers paired with professionals to compete for the Strictly St. Luke’s coveted trophy.

This year, nine couples bravely took part and each performed both a Latin and Ballroom dance for a panel of judges and a sold-out audience after months of rigorous training.

The judges included professional dancers James Goodman, son of dancer and TV personality Len Goodman, Cheryl O’Leary, Tony Wiejski and long-term supporter of St. Luke’s Hospice Peter Davies. 

More than 500 people attended the fundraiser at the Civic Hall in Grays. David Webster from Gateway 97.8 was compere alongside Leanne Stewart, Corporate Fundraiser at St. Luke’s Hospice.  

The winners of the night were Chloe Holdsworth who trained and danced with dance teacher Brett Gillborn from Lynda King Dance Ltd.

On taking part in the competition, Chloe said:

“I have always had a strong passion for dancing and have previously fundraised for St Luke’s Hospice, so mixing the two together is just amazing! St. Luke’s Hospice is so admirable – the work they do and services they provide are outstanding which is exactly why I am taking part.”

The event is organised by St. Luke’s Hospice and dancer Lynda King, who runs Lynda King Dance Ltd. Over the last four years, the event has raised more than £100,000 for the charity. 

Leanne Stewart, Corporate Fundraiser at St. Luke’s Hospice, said:

“This has been another fantastic year. The dancers have all come such a long way and trained hard, which was clear in the level we saw on the dancefloor.  

“A huge thank you goes to everyone who supported Strictly. St. Luke’s and helped raise money for the Hospice, including the dancers who spent months training and fundraising, the judges, the audience and Lynda King, who helps organise the event.“ 

Money raised at Strictly St. Luke’s will support the Hospice in running vital services to support those living with life-limiting conditions. The event is one of many organised by the charity. 

Are you inspired to take on a challenge for St. Luke’s Hospice? To find out how you can get involved, visit: www.stlukeshospice.com

Image: St Luke’s hospice