Stick ‘n’ Step supporters limber up for Strictly-style event

Keep dancing! We are hosting our 'Strictly Come Dancing' themed fundraising event at Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa, Neston on Saturday 11th November 2023.

This fabulous black-tie event, sponsored by Slater & Gordon Lawyers, will see nine couples strut their stuff on the dancefloor as they battle it out to see who can raise the most money for the charity and who can pick up this year’s all-important Glitter Ball Trophy too.

Each participant has been partnered with a professional dancer, who has helped each contestant select a specific dance. All the amateurs have been working hard for weeks to perfect their individual routines, which range from the dramatic paso doble to a romantic waltz , ready to perform on the big night.

Two good friends, Claire Letham and Kate Hesketh, who each have a child who attends our Runcorn centre, are among the contestants.

Claire, a GP from Manchester, says,

“My son is five years old and has cerebral palsy. He has been attending Stick 'n' Step for the past year. Xander faces challenges every day, which he does with such determination and acceptance so I thought when the opportunity came up to take part in Strictly, why not also challenge myself and hopefully learn a new skill along the way? Plus the fact I am a huge Strictly fan, as are both my boys!

“Attending Stick 'n' Step has been fantastic for Xander and we've really seen him grow in confidence and learn new skills. All the staff are so supportive and have a wealth of knowledge. I've also met some great new friends (one of whom is also taking part in Strictly!) and it really helps speaking to other parents who get the challenges and worries that we face with our children.”

Kate, from Stockport, whose daughter Dottie, 6, has attended sessions at Stick ‘n’ Step since she was a baby, is dancing a samba with professional dancer Callum from Licence to Dance. Kate says,

“I did a fundraising skydive for the charity a while ago but I can honestly say that the thought of performing the samba is even scarier! Stick ‘n’ Step provides an amazing service and I know how much it costs just to keep the doors open at the two centres, so I want to do what I can to help raise money.”

Brad Malone, from Liverpool, whose daughter Bella, aged 2, attends our Runcorn centre, will be dancing a jive to Reach for the Stars, with his professional partner Donna, from Silhouette Dance School. It’s a real family affair, as Brad’s brother Peter, is also taking part in the competition, dancing a tango to Pokerface. Brad says,

“I chose this song to dance to as the lyrics always make me think of Bella. Now she attends Stick ‘n’ Step I know she can realise her potential – she really can reach for the stars!”

Sarah Curtis, head teacher at Meadow Community Primary School in Chester, will be dancing a Viennese waltz with professional dancer Mario from Turbo Dance, to the theme tune of Pirates of the Caribbean. Her best friend’s nephew has benefited from attending our conductive education sessions for many years, and Sarah and her husband have supported the charity’s events as a result.

Sarah says,

“I finally have the opportunity to tick one off from my bucket list and achieve my dream of dancing with a professional partner.  I get to wear the dress, complete with make-up and hair, and maybe the tan! To say I’m excited is an understatement but I’m also terrified! To make the experience complete, I am able to achieve my dream, whilst also raising money for a charity close to my heart  - Stick ‘n’ Step. Every blister, embarrassing moment and achy muscle will be worth it to give the amazing children who attend Stick ‘n’ Step a chance to achieve their dreams.”

Martyna Hus, who lives in St Helens, will be dancing the paso doble with James from Silhouette Dance School. Her employer ALLpaQ, based in Widnes, is a big supporter of Stick ‘n’ Step. Martyna says,

“I’m a fan of Strictly and a bigger fan of helping so I just thought – why not? Let’s get out of my comfort zone and do it! I had this great opportunity to meet Jo and the rest of the crew in Stick ‘n’ Step when I went to visit and they are doing an amazing job! It blew my mind how well organised they are. I saw happy, smiling kids who were taking small steps towards their independence, and it had such a warm feeling. As we are all aware the costs of living are very high right now so Stick ‘n’ Step (and all charities) need help fundraising as their costs are high too. Stick ‘ns Step has great ideas for fundraising and I hope this Strictly event is not the last one that I will be involved with.”

Tickets are available now for the event, where guests will enjoy a drinks reception upon arrival, followed by a three-course meal, before being treated to a showcase performance from the professional dancers and then the Strictly-style competition itself. There will be an auction and raffle too, to help fundraise further. Tickets cost £75 per person or £700 for a table of 10. If you are unable to attend, but would still like to support the charity, donating an auction or raffle prize would be very much appreciated. Call Jo on 07843 961272 or email her at joanne@sticknstep.org

Help Kate fundraise: https://www.justgiving.com/page/kate-hesketh-1694173564394

Help Claire fundraise: https://www.justgiving.com/page/claire-letham-169659058202

Help Brad fundraise: P FLYNN is fundraising for Stick 'N' Step (justgiving.com)

Help Sarah fundraise: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sarah-curtis-1694867679349

Help Martyna fundraise: https://www.justgiving.com/page/martyna-hus-1696317514667