A Strictly-inspired fundraising event, hosted by TV personality and Strictly winner Chris Hollins, has raised more than £50,000 for charity St. Luke’s Hospice in Basildon, Essex.
The highly anticipated Strictly St. Luke’s took place on Saturday 22nd March at the Brentwood Centre, Essex, where dance enthusiasts, fans of Strictly Come Dancing and supporters of the Hospice gathered to enjoy an unforgettable evening of dazzling performances.
Nine couples took part in this year’s Strictly St. Luke’s, each performing two dances for a panel of judges and audience of over 600 in the hopes of winning the coveted Glitter ball trophy. The winning couple was Karen Cogger, from Wickford, who was partnered with professional dancer Stuart Warwick.
The dancers were scored by a panel of judges: Yvonne Saunders from Dance Options in Cheam, Surrey, James Goodman, Qualified dance teacher, Fellowship Member of the International Dance Teachers Association and Co Principle of the Len Goodman Dance Studio, Cheryl O’Leary, international dance teacher and examiner, and longstanding Member of the International Dance Teachers Association and Peter Davies, a long-time supporter of the Hospice and a veteran Strictly St. Luke’s judge. Attendees included Mayor of Basildon Councillor Allan Davies and Mayor of Thurrock Councillor Kairen Raper.
Chris Hollins, who won series seven of Strictly Come Dancing with professional partner Ola Jordan, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to host Strictly St. Luke’s once again this year. The performances were outstanding! It’s amazing how much the dancers have learnt just a few short months, all while supporting the charity through their own fundraising efforts. A huge congratulations to each of you, as well as to the audience for their incredible support throughout the night. Together, you’ve helped raise an incredible amount to help support the vital work of St. Luke’s Hospice.”
Strictly St. Luke’s is organised by St. Luke’s Hospice and dancer Lynda King, who runs Lynda King Dance Ltd.
To date more than £220,000 has been raised from Strictly St. Luke’s events. Funds raised at Strictly St. Luke’s will support the continued provision of specialist palliative and end of life care in the community.
Kerry Chambers, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at St. Luke’s Hospice, said: “What an unforgettable evening! We’re beyond grateful to everyone who helped make Strictly St. Luke’s so special – from the dancers and judges to our wonderful volunteers, host Chris Hollins, Lynda King, and the amazing audience. Strictly St. Luke’s is a lot of fun and really does encourage people to step out of their comfort zones and try something new. A heartfelt thank you to all who took part this year for helping raise vital funds for St. Luke’s Hospice.”
Do you feel inspired to take part in Strictly St. Luke’s? You can now register your interest by email, including your full name and telephone number, to fundraising@stlukeshospice.co.
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Image credits: Phil Jones Photography
Lead Photo: L-R Peter Davies, Yvonne Saunders, Stuart Warwick, Karen Cogger, Cheryl O’Leary, James Goodman
About St. Luke’s Hospice
St. Luke’s Hospice is a local charity providing compassionate care to people whose illnesses are no longer curable. We promote dignity in dying and empower people to make the choices they want from the moment they are diagnosed.
Our care considers people’s medical, spiritual and emotional needs, including support for loved ones and carers. Anyone living in Basildon and district can call on us 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Working alongside healthcare professionals, our specialist services are available at the Hospice, out in the community or in a person’s own home.
We rely on fundraising and donations and need to raise over £10,500 a day. To find out more, visit the St. Luke’s Hospice website at www.stlukeshospice.com.
Registered charity number 289466
St. Luke’s Hospice Basildon and District
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