AS she gears up to do the cha cha cha, Bolton Hospice’s chief executive has a reason very close to her heart for taking part in a dance spectacular.

Leigh Vallance’s sister, Samantha Horton, is a devoted single mother who has dedicated her life to her two daughters, who are talented dancers.

Now the 48-year-old has been diagnosed with terminal breast cancer and Mrs Vallance is taking part in the hospice’s Strictly Learn to Dance Challenge in honour of her sister.

The dance novice, aged 52, said: “It’s a homage to my younger sister who is in the last few months of her life.

“She has been a part of the dancing world for many years, sewing sequins, making dresses, doing hair and make-up for her now teenage girls.”

Her dance partner Geoff Vickers, aged 62, is also a beginner and the pair will join 10 other couples for a grand finale performance at the Last Drop Village on April 20.

Mrs Vallance said: “I think my sister thinks it’s highly amusing. It’s more challenging than you think “I think we’re all starting to get a little bit scared, thinking we mustn’t fall over. Or if we do, fall over gracefully.”

Tickets are on sale and for just £15, spectators can see the first ever Bolton Hospice Strictly Learn to Dance champions crowned, have their own chance to take to the dancefloor and enjoy a supper.

There will also be a demonstration by professional dancers, Michael Johnson, aged 22, and Sallyrose Beardall, aged 21.

They have danced together for more than four years, having been crowned the All England U21 champions, British U21 Latin American finalists and World Championship finalists in both U21 Ballroom and Latin American sections, being placed 7th in ballroom and 5th in Latin American.

Maria Passarello, hospice events manager, said: “We are all really excited about this new event. It has created a real surge of energy and enthusiasm with the Grand Finale eagerly anticipated by many.

“Sandham’s Dance School and all the participants have committed a lot of their time to make this a success for the hospice and we are so very grateful, they are all champions to us.”

Sandham’s Dance Studios in Farnworth has given all participants free tuition and Bodywise Beauty Studio in Horwich has offered a free fake tan, with John-Lee Guy Hairdressers, of Deansgate, Bolton, offering free hairstyling to all contestants.

To buy a ticket or sponsor any of the dancers: visit boltonhospice.org.uk/fundraising/events/strictly_2013.