James Jordan, former Strictly Come Dancing star, is swapping his dancing shoes for cycling shoes and taking on another challenge: cycling from Paris to Sittingbourne to raise awareness of and funds for Demelza.
The charity, which was set up by Derek Phillips following the death of his daughter Demelza from a brain tumour, is celebrating 25 years of delivering extraordinary care for children who are facing serious or life-limiting conditions, throughout South East London, Kent and East Sussex.
Demelza provides unique support to every family they help: from creative therapies and short breaks, to practical and emotional support for families and siblings, and care towards the end of life.
James, 46, who also won the 11th series of ITV’s Dancing on Ice and loves a challenge, grew up in Kent and still lives in the area, alongside his wife and professional dance partner, Ola and their daughter Ella.
He has been a long-term supporter of Demelza, taking part in All Star Mr and Mrs with Ola, winning £30,000 for the charity. He also racked up another £29,000 for Demelza in 2020 by taking part in ITV’s Celebrity Catchphrase.
James said: “I’ve supported Demelza for a number of years now – it’s a local charity so it’s very close to my heart. Lots of my friends support it too. I have to say, I am quite nervous though! I’m fit but am not an experienced cyclist so am planning to train and fundraise over the next few months.
“The care and support the staff at Demelza provide for families is second to none. Having a young daughter myself, I cannot imagine how difficult it must be for families in this position which is why I want to raise as much as I can to help support Demelza and the families they care for.”
The cyclists, with James among them, will leave from under the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris on Thursday 14 September, taking in the Arc de Triomphe as well as the beautiful French countryside before arriving at the hospice in Sittingbourne on Sunday 17 September to a tumultuous welcome from Demelza families, staff, volunteers and supporters.
Lavinia Jarrett, Chief Executive at Demelza said: “A huge thank you to James for taking on this challenge, it’s no easy feat! We want life to be the best it can be for children who have serious or life-limiting conditions – and their families, and for all those who love them. And to do that, we rely on the generosity of our fantastic supporters. Thank you – we could not do what we do without you.”
If you would like to find out more and take on the cycle challenge alongside James, use code ‘JOINJAMES’ for £25.00 off your registration fee when you sign up at:
https://www.demelza.org.uk/support-us/events/paris-to-demelza-kent-cycle.
If you would like to sponsor James, go to:
James Jordan is fundraising for Demelza Hospice Care for Children (justgiving.com)
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-Demelza Hospice Care for Children:
- Demelza delivers extraordinary care for extraordinary children who are facing serious or life-limiting conditions, throughout Kent, South East London and East Sussex. We’re here for them and their families with expert clinical, emotional and practical support at every step – from first diagnosis and for as long as we’re needed.
- Our support is as unique as every family we help, and designed to wrap around their specific requirements and circumstances: from creative therapies and short breaks, to practical and emotional support for families and siblings, and care towards the end of life.
- Our specialist nursing and care teams provide expert advice on complex symptoms and medication regimes and are here every day and every night, all year round.
- We support families wherever is best for them: in our hospice or in their homes, online, at school and in local communities. When they need us most, we’ll be there; to reassure, to guide and to care. By their side when they feel isolated, and helping to celebrate the joy in family life, making precious memories during challenging times.
- Demelza believes in care that doesn’t back down. We are Demelza.
Find out more about Demelza at www.demelza.org.uk, follow the charity on Facebook at www.facebook.com/demelzahospice, @demelzahospice on Twitter and @demelzacharity on Instagram
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