As a dance studio, we have always been proud to support Bury Hospice, offering Lark Dance Studio as a rehearsal space for Strictly Best Foot Forward. However, it wasn’t until my own family needed their support that I truly understood just how incredible the hospice is.

The kindness, compassion, and care shown to us — both during my mum’s time in their care and in the months afterwards — meant more to our family than words can express. The ongoing support they continue to provide has helped us through an incredibly difficult year of grieving, and we will always be deeply grateful.

Because of this, I wanted to set myself a personal challenge this year and take on a 10K run — and I should add a little disclaimer here… I am not a runner!

Ella has also experienced a similar loss, losing her Grandpa just before Christmas, who was also cared for by Bury Hospice. So together, we’ve decided to organise a big community fundraiser to give something back.

We know so many of our lovely parents already drop their children off at dance classes and use that time to go for a run — so if you’re a keen runner or simply fancy setting yourself a challenge this year, we would absolutely love you to join us. Families are very welcome too, as everyone will be running at their own pace on the day.

To celebrate everyone’s achievements, we’ve organised an after-party at Elton Cricket Club, complete with a BBQ, a singer, and I’m sure our students will be keen to jump up and perform too!

How to take part:

• Please enter the AJ Bell Manchester 10K: https://www.greatrun.org/events/great-manchester-run/

• Date: 31st May 2026

• Once entered, create your own fundraising page which is linked to our communal fundraiser