Supporters ‘keep dancing’ for our Strictly-style charity ball

A group of our intrepid supporters are stepping up to the challenge of learning to dance in order to take part in our 'Strictly Come Dancing' themed fundraising event next month. This black tie celebration will be held at Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa, Neston, on Saturday 16th November 2024.

The eight contestants have each been paired with a professional dancer and have chosen a song and a dance with which they hope to impress the panel of judges on the night and to be in with a chance of lifting the winner’s glitter ball trophy.

Three of the region’s legal eagles have soared to meet the challenge of this year’s event. Sean McCann, from Fletchers Solicitors, and Paul Kelly from Slater Gordon, neither of whom have any dance experience, are both taking part in the competition, while Vikki Howden, a paralegal who works at Graystons, is also taking to the floor. The trio’s law firms are three of our legal partners.

Sean McCann, who lives in Liverpool, will be dancing a cha cha cha. He says,

I first learned about the invaluable work Stick ‘n’ Step does through a client and their family. I find the way the families who work with Stick ‘n’ Step support each other truly inspirational. I’m totally out of my comfort zone and just hope I won’t let my six year old daughter down – she’s a big fan of Strictly!

Paul Kelly, from Manchester, who will be dancing a samba, commented,

Through work, I have witnessed at first-hand the difficulties families face when a family member has cerebral palsy. I have seen how SnS have worked with these families to improve their quality of life and I want to support them to continue that work. I have to dance in Cuban heels and I am absolutely terrified!

Vikki Howden, who is a paralegal at Graystons and lives in Ellesmere Port, is looking forward to her waltz to music from the Lion King. She loved dancing as a child and always regretted giving it up. Having attended last year’s Stick ‘n’ Step’ Strictly event she jumped at the chance to take part this time.

Amanda Griffiths, from Wirral, who did a skydive to fundraise for Stick ‘n’ Step earlier this year, is dancing a jive and is loving the 1950s, fast paced dance steps. She has not danced since she was 14, but as a child enjoyed ballet, tap, modern and jazz. She says her jive rehearsals with her professional dance partner are currently the highlight of her week.

Shannon Sample, who is one of our Classroom Assistants, will be dancing a paso doble. Shannon joined us ten years ago on work experience from her college. She enjoyed working there so much, she took up an apprenticeship with the charity and now works at our Wallasey centre. She says, 

I’ve learned so much from the amazing children who attend Stick ‘n’ Step. They all face their own challenges every day but they just find their way to achieve what they need to do, they are a true inspiration.

 

As well as the dance competition, guests will enjoy a VIP drinks reception, a three-course meal and they will be treated to a showcase dance by the professionals and a group dance by everyone taking part.  There will be an auction and raffle too, to boost fundraising further. Tickets cost £70 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. Please call our corporate fundraiser, Jo Fowler, on 07843 961272 or email her at joanne@sticknstep.org.

Please find links to the Just Giving pages here:

Sean McCann: https://www.justgiving.com/page/fletchers-group-sticknstep-strictly-2024

Paul Kelly: https://www.justgiving.com/page/paulkellysns

Vikki Howden: https://www.justgiving.com/page/vikki-howden-1726057787780

Amanda Griffiths: https://www.justgiving.com/page/amanda-griffiths-1725484194536

Shannon Sample: https://www.gofundme.com/f/hxyc3x-strictly-come-fund-me