St. Joseph’s Hospice has unveiled the eight dancers who have signed up to take part in its Strictly fundraising event in September.
All eight participants will hit the training room over the next few months before they perform live at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool on 25th September in the hope of raising lots of money for the hospice.
Our Strictly dancers are Abby Ready, Amanda Fraser, Cathy Cusack, Claire Grindley, Ellie Williams, Jason Maher, John Cooney and Liam Marshall.
Abby (18) is a photographer from Crosby. She is a huge fan of the show and loves all the glitz and glamour, as well as copying all the dance routines at home. Her favourite judge is Bruno Tonioli because he is so flamboyant. Abby can’t wait to learn to dance and get all dressed up for the live show in September.
Amanda, (44) from Formby, has taken part in many fundraising events over the years but she says this one will be so much fun. She is a big Strictly fan and enjoys watching it with her two daughters, Reah (10) and Isla (8). Her favourite Strictly pros are Anton and Oti and she can’t wait to learn a complete dance routine and raise lots of money for the hospice.
Cathy, (57) from Bootle, is the hospice's lottery administrator. Cathy is taking part in memory of her dad, Albie Smart, who passed away at the hospice two years ago. Albie was a massive supporter and fundraiser for the hospice and he was also a good dancer! Cathy loves all the glitz and glamour of Strictly and is a big fan of Strictly pro Aljaž and judge Bruno.
Claire (45) from Worsley is looking forward to supporting such a good cause. She enjoys watching Strictly every week with her husband Tony and two daughters, Olivia and Eliza. She loves the choreography and the amazing costumes. Johannes is her favourite professional on the show and she’s also a Craig Revel Horwood fan.
Ellie, (24) from Fazakerley, works for Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service as a Vulnerable Persons Advocate. She loves taking part in fundraisers and is always up for a fun challenge. Ellie loves Strictly pro Oti and is keen to do something fast and upbeat on the night! She is looking forward to the whole Strictly experience and will be supported by her family, friends and colleagues at the Fire Service.
Jason (52) is an architect from Aughton. His wife Clare used to work in the fundraising team at the hospice so he knows all the great work it does. He admits to being a bit of a Strictly fan and his favourite judge was Len Goodman. He can’t wait to show off his new dance moves to son Henry (13) and daughter Matilda (11) and is keeping his fingers crossed that he gets to dance the Charleston.
John (70) from Thornton works for St. Joseph’s Hospice as a driver in the retail team. John is a big fan of Craig Revel Horwood and loves his sarcastic comments. He is really looking forward to learning to dance, winning it and then celebrating after the show.
Liam (26) is a journalist from Liverpool. He had been talking to a friend about taking dance classes and then received an email inviting him to take part so he says it was a no brainer. Liam has only watched Strictly for a couple of series but is completely obsessed. He loves the costumes, the music, the fantastic personalities and the incredible dancing. His favourite judge is Shirley as she is so passionate about what she does.
The hospice is collaborating with the Marshside School of Dance in Southport who are providing professional dance partners and training sessions for the challenge.
Maxine Armstrong, head of fundraising at St. Joseph’s Hospice, said: “This will be an event that you won’t want to miss. We have a fantastic and really fun team on board this year; they are all so keen and excited to take part and want to raise as much money as they can for the hospice so please show them your support. We are really looking forward to following their progress as they being their dance lessons and get closer to the live show in September.
“Tickets are on sale now and it is going to be a fantastic evening. We also have a variety of sponsorship opportunities available for businesses to get involved in so please get in touch if you would like to buy tickets or find out more about sponsorship.”
Tickets for Strictly St. Joseph’s cost £50 each, which includes a four-course meal, LIVE Strictly show with celebrity judge, plus singer and a disco.
Tickets can purchased from the hospice by calling 0151 932 6044 or 0151 932 6046 or emailing events@stjhospice.org.uk.
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