Strictly Learn to Dance raises more than £500k for Dove House Hospice
SUCCESS: Participants in this year’s Strictly Learn to Dance fundraiser
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
Dove House is celebrating a huge fundraising milestone after its popular Strictly Learn to Dance event raised more than half a million pounds for local hospice care in Hull and the East Riding.
The annual event sees 24 people take on the challenge each year, learning ballroom and Latin routines before taking to the dancefloor in a spectacular evening of Strictly-style entertainment at Hull City Hall.
Since the event began as an idea in 2011, more than 330 dancers, along with their families, friends and wider communities, have helped raise £507,299.73 for Dove House.
Dove House has also said a special thank you to Janine Badger of Ballroom Blitz Dance Academy, who joined the event in 2013 and has been at the heart of its success ever since.
Vikki Fitzgerald, individual challenge fundraiser at Dove House Hospice, said: “Every year, Janine gives her time to choreograph the routines, train the dancers and support them throughout their Strictly journey, helping participants to take on a challenge that is often completely outside their comfort zone.
“Her team of mentors, many of whom are former Strictly Learn to Dance participants themselves, also return year after year to share their experience, train the new dancers and generously give their time for free to the hospice.
“Janine has been such an important part of the event since 2013, and we simply couldn’t deliver Strictly Learn to Dance without her and her amazing team of mentors. Their time, energy and enthusiasm bring something really special to the event every year. We simply cannot thank Janine and her team enough for everything they do.”
HUGE THANKS: Janine Badger
Janine said: “For over 13 years, aligning my passion for dance with Dove House Hospice has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life. Beyond the vital end of life care people expect, Dove House is a pillar of light in Hull, offering extraordinary support and bereavement services that help families navigate their darkest moments.
“Participating in the Learn to Dance event allows me to witness something truly magical: complete beginners stepping out of their comfort zones, mastering new skills, and forming unbreakable bonds with fellow dancers. This event proves that when we come together with shared purpose, we can create joy, build a stronger community, and raise vital funds to ensure that no one in our city has to face their hardest days alone.
“Standing in the studio, watching my dancers transform nervous energy into pure joy, is the greatest privilege. Seeing them master difficult steps not just for themselves, but to bring light to Dove House, reminds me that every movement we make together helps heal and support our entire city.”
The success of Strictly Learn to Dance is about much more than the money raised. Over the years, the event has brought together people from all walks of life, created lasting friendships and memories, and built a community around the shared experience of taking on a challenge for a cause that makes a difference to local families.
Vikki added: “Reaching more than £500,000 raised through Strictly Learn to Dance is an incredible achievement and one that belongs to every single person who has been part of the event over the years. We are so grateful to everyone who has stepped outside their comfort zone, put on their dancing shoes and taken on the Strictly challenge, as well as everyone who has supported them along the way.
“Most importantly, every pound raised helps us continue providing vital hospice care and support to local people and their families when they need it most. Strictly Learn to Dance has become so much more than a fundraising event. It’s a community, and we can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes us.”
Applications are now open for those who would like to be part of the next Strictly Learn to Dance and take on the challenge for Dove House.
To find out more and apply to be part of Team 2027, visit www.dovehouse.org.uk/strictly
For more information, contact the Dove House Hospice fundraising team on 01482 785795 or email events@dovehouse.org.uk.