After months of training and fundraising, five couples came together at a glitzy event to raise vital funds for patient care.
And Dr Kershaw’s very own version of Strictly Come Dancing didn’t disappoint with some spectacular performances and a bumper amount being raised for the hospice.
The theme for this year’s event at Queen Elizabeth’s Hall in Oldham was A Night at the Movies and a sell-out audience of 300 enjoyed a fab-u-lous evening.
The dancers performed a selection of show stoppers from Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia, Shrek, Mary Poppins, and The Greatest Showman with the night starting with a bang and a group dance to a Grease megamix.
The judging panel had their work cut out but it was a stunning Dirty Dancing-inspired routine which saw Max Freeman and Leanne Bailey taking home the coveted glitterball trophy.
But the real winner was the hospice with the event having raised an amazing £26,000 with more sponsorship set to roll in.
Strictly winner Leanne said: “I have loved every minute of Dr Kershaw’s Strictly and the fact I exceeded my fundraising target on the night made me feel like I had given something back and made a difference to the hospice.
“I saw how hard all the staff at Dr Kershaw’s work including the volunteers and I am proud to have been a part of it. I had the best partner, dance teachers and choreographer!”
Dance partner Max added: “Strictly was a great experience! The team that we had were amazing. The dedication could be seen from everyone when they performed.
“Everyone’s routine was different and the standard of dance was very high. When we won it was lovely, as all of our hard work had paid off. It is also amazing to hear how much money had been raised by doing this event.”
The audience were treated to a welcome drink on arrival, a three-course meal and live entertainment including performances from Jayne Barnes School of Dance and from singer, Denis Ferrige. Jeffrey Longmore, aka Dame Dolly and Tina Turner, was the perfect host and brought real fun and sparkle to the event.
Dr Kershaw’s team of 10 dancers were set a collective fundraising target of £10,000 and with further funds still to be added, the talented team are at 88 per cent of their overall fundraising target. Along with ticket sales, a silent auction and a raffle on the night also brought in much needed funds for the hospice.
Dr Kershaw’s volunteer and retired probation officer, Lawrence O’Grady, who performed a foxtrot with Shereen Howarth, managing director of Cornerstone Estates and Lettings Ltd said: “My late wife was cared for by Dr Kershaw’s Hospice and I am so grateful to the team for the care they provided. I signed up for Strictly to help raise funds for Dr Kershaw’s despite having two left feet!”
Last year’s Strictly finalists, James Ogborn and Natasha Barker were on hand to present the glitterball trophy to the 2024 winners. Natasha spoke about last year’s event and the care her parents received at Dr Kershaw’s:.
She said: “Both my mum and dad were cared for by the hospice team within eight months of each other.
“What were difficult and emotional circumstances on both occasions were made far more bearable by the Dr Kershaw’s team.
“As a family we were given the time to be with our parents, without worrying if we were getting things right or if they were in pain, they just do what’s needed, whenever it’s needed with such genuine care and compassion.
“Not only did they care for our parents but for us too. You don’t know the importance of what Dr Kershaw’s do until you experience it firsthand like we did.
“That’s why I took part in this event last year, to try to express my gratitude for all that these absolute angels on earth at Dr Kershaw’s do, and to pay it forwards in some way, in memory of my mum and dad.”
Director of income development and marketing at Dr Kershaw’s, Rebecca Bentham, 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.”
To check out the highlights from the evening, visit the hospice’s Facebook page: @drkershawshospice or for more information on Dr Kershaw’s Strictly, visit: www.drkh.org.uk/strictly
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