Bolton Hospice has hosted another successful ‘Strictly Learn to Dance’ fundraiser.
More than £35,000 was raised for the hospice as part of the annual event, which saw 19 couples practice dancing for 12 weeks before performing in front of a panel of judges.
Inspired by TV’s Strictly Come Dancing, couples competed in front of a live audience at Bolton Wanderers’ Toughsheet Stadium.
An incredible amount of money was raised on the night for Bolton Hospice, which only receives around a quarter of its income from government grants, with the rest coming from donations, legacies, and other sources.
Colleagues Olivia and Olly, who both work at property investment company Knight Knox, won the grand final, with the award presented by A Touch of Class Dance Studio owner Teresa Croasdale.
Judges included David Brankley, Alan Newman, The Bolton News' editor Richard Duggan, and Cllr Andy Morgan.
Radio 1's Vicky Hawkesworth was also on the panel.
The Boltonian presenter, who previously presented shows on Bolton FM, currently presents Radio 1's afternoon show alongside Dean McCullough.
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Cllr Morgan said: “It’s a massive event, and everybody has such a good time.
“There must have been 500 to 600 people there. It’s just a real uplifting and good feeling, it’s just what we need at this time.”
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A Bolton Hospice trustee for 14 years, Cllr Morgan added: “If we don’t fundraise, the hospice will close. This is an annual event now for us and it raises tens of thousands of pounds which contribute to the daily running costs of the hospice.
“It was great, just to see everybody laughing and smiling and cheering on their loved ones and friends, it’s just a really uplifting night.
“It’s a massive event, the panel really enjoyed it, we had a great evening ourselves as well, being part of it.
“It takes a lot of time up for the contestants, they’re rehearsing for 12 weeks solid basically, in their own time in the evenings. It’s a real massive commitment, but everybody that’s ever done it, and I’ve done it myself, it’s really great to do. We’re already looking for next year’s contestants to register.
“I’d just like to thank all the volunteers as ever that helped with the event and thank Bolton Wanderers for hosting us, because it was a fabulous night.”
Those looking to dance in next year’s event can contact Bolton Hospice’s fundraising team via email at fundraising@boltonhospice.org.
If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.
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