A STRICTLY-style ballroom dance competition supported by a care home partner has raised more than £80,000 for a Dorset-based palliative care charity.
Forest Holme Hospice’s Strictly Extravaganza, which had headline sponsorship from Colten Care, involved months of practice by amateur contestants and culminated in a glittering finals evening on the dance floor at Poole Lighthouse.
The competition saw participants drawn from a public call for entries team up with professional dancers for rehearsals leading to live performances on the big night. Each contestant had a personal connection to the hospice.
Colten Care marketing and communications manager Laura Davis said: “Strictly Extravaganza was an amazing initiative that showcased dance talent and raised vital funds for the hospice. It was a true celebration of community and generosity.”
An audience of around 350 people were entertained as a panel of judges from the dance world voted on which of the 10 couples on show deserved to lift the glitterball trophy.
At the end of a keenly contested evening, begun with a three-course dinner, the winners were declared to be Tom Redman and his professional partner Diana Coojacar with a high-energy jive.
Tom danced in memory of his wife Clare, who was under the care of Forest Holme.
The event also featured a raffle and silent auction, contributing to a total of £80,387 since the competition was launched last summer with an event at Colten Care’s Bourne View care home in Poole.
The funds will go towards enhancing a range of services at Forest Holme, including nursing and counselling services, complementary therapies and equipment.