Eight contestants are taking on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing challenge in aid of St. Joseph’s Hospice and will perform live at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool on 23rd September.
For the third year running, the hospice is collaborating with the Marshside School of Dance in Southport who are providing experienced dance partners and training sessions for the challenge.
All eight participants have been hitting the training room over the summer and have taken on this challenge in the hope of raising lots of money for the Merseyside hospice.
This year’s Strictly St. Joseph’s contestants are Rian Bailey-Weir, Jacqueline Daley, Abbey Davies, Nicola Gallimore, Ekaterina Georgieva, Paula Kadiri, Chris Quinn, and Alishia Scowen.
Rian, from Liverpool, has heard so many amazing stories about the hospice and wants to help by fundraising for this fantastic cause. He doesn’t have any dance experience but is hoping to embody Shania Twain’s ‘That Don’t Impress Me Much’ video.
Jacqueline, from Liverpool, has already jumped out of a plane for the hospice and is now taking to the Strictly dancefloor, despite being told by a dance instructor 15 years ago that dancing isn’t for her. We don’t agree!
Abbey, from Tuebrook, is a big fan of Claudia Winkleman and Strictly pro Dianne Buswell but mostly she wanted to take on a challenge this year that scares her while raising money for the incredible care provided by the hospice.
Nicola, from Crosby, had so much fun watching her friend take part in Strictly St. Joseph’s last year that she had to give it a go. She says she is excited and terrified in equal measures.
Kat, from Kensington, has no dance experience but loves a boogie at home when no one is watching and is really looking forward to this once in a lifetime experience.
Paula, from Waterloo, has only watched Strictly as couple of times but was inspired by her friend who took part last year. She loves a bit of 80’s disco and is looking forward to dancing with a pro.
Chris, from Crosby, loves dancing to the oldies and wanted to do something to show his appreciation for the wonderful care the hospice gave to his dad Joseph who passed away earlier this year.
Alishia, from Thornton, grew up knowing how special the hospice is and remembers supporting it when she was at school. She is happy to dance to almost anything, although these days she’s more at home dancing to ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ with her baby daughter.
Maxine Armstrong, head of fundraising at St. Joseph’s Hospice, said: “Strictly St. Joseph’s is back for a third year and we are all incredibly excited.
“We have a fantastic team of dancers on board who are really putting their lives on hold for this challenge and want to raise as much money as they can for the hospice so please show them your support.
“Strictly is going to be a fantastic evening, full of entertainment, and tickets are on sale now. Please come along and join in the fun and show your support to the hospice.”
Tickets for Strictly St. Joseph’s cost £55 each, which includes a delicious four course meal, entertainment, LIVE Strictly show and a disco until 1am. Tickets can purchased from the hospice by calling 0151 932 6044 or 0151 932 6046 or emailing events@stjhospice.org.uk.
More details about our Strictly St. Joseph’s dancers, and how you can sponsor them, are available on our website www.stjhospice.org.uk.
