On Friday the 11th March 2022 Willow Wood Hospice, is partnering up with our friends at Dr Kershaws Hospice to host our very own Strictly Dance! 20 amateur dancers from the local community are going to be taking on the Strictly challenge, to learn to dance just 6 weeks before the BIG NIGHT of sparkle and sequins, when they will perform to a live audience of over 350 guests and to a panel of judges. Who will scoop the glitter ball trophy?!Our dancers are taking themselves way out of their comfort zone and will be asking for sponsorship, to raise funds for much needed patient care.Your support will mean the world to them and both hospices - Thank you!

I will be taking part as one of these dancers in memory of my mum who was lucky to have Willow Wood there towards the end of her life. She attended various days as an outpatient and was able to access a much needed break from the devastation cancer can cause. In doing so she had a special place to open up and share her honest feelings about what was to come by meeting people going through similar situations. As she was also a big fan of Strictly (Anton DuBeck more to the point) this will be a great way to not only honour her memory but to also ensure the hospice gets the much deserved funds they need to continue to do the same for countless others.

Many hear the word ‘hospice’ and instantly think about death, however, a hospice is so much more than a place to die. It’s a place that allows people to carry on living despite knowing that the inevitable is nearer for them then most. It helps improve their quality of life and gives them a safe haven where the can open up when putting on a brave face in front of loved ones. It allows them to make new friends, take part in non-medical therapeutic sessions, learn new skills, and learn how to live with a life-limiting disease as opposed to dying from one.

Throughout her life and even towards the end, my mum devoted herself to raising money for Willow Wood and many other charities and now it’s my turn to continue her fundraising days. What better way to start then leaving my comfort zone and taking on a completely new challenge that will undoubtedly mean making a fool of myself. After all, it’s the type of fundraising my ‘Charity Sue’ loved best.