Thank you SO much for supporting our dance fitness marathon for Red Nose Day!

We had the time of our lives (but damn, we forgot to do that song from Dirty Dancing) and with your support, absolutely smashed our fundraising total. Unbelievable!

Who was dancing on the day?

Aislinn Kelly, Alejandra Casas, Amina Mona, Andrea Hulme, Anna Harrisson, Anna Stachow, Babita Bahal, Candiece S, Caroline Young, Chloe Campbell, Dayna Tohidi, Dearbhaile Flynn, Deborah Pliskin, Dee MacNair, Donna Taberer, Emmie Faust, Iolanda West, Jackie Hudson, Jon French, Kate Bellamy, Kirsty Kinnear, Laura Tovell, Lucy Cleland, Lucy Tallon, Marianne Rodriguez, Nancy Wright, Rebecca Parker, Robin Paras, Shelagh Clarke, Sonya Matthews, Sophie Hammersley, Wendy Robertson and a few mystery guests!

How many did all five hours?

Seven of us did all five non-stop hours: Alejandra Casas, Andrea Hulme, Babita Bahal, Dearbhaile Flynn, Donna Taberer, Iolanda West, Lucy Tallon. We are all quite tired now.

Who were the instructors?

Amie Louise Moves, Charlotte de Graaf, Gary James, Jasmine Dorsett, Joe Leather and Lucy Loughlin. They were all absolutely awesome and we can't thank them enough. They donated their time and really got into the spirit. 

You should go to one of their classes — you'd love it. Please them check out on instagram: @amielouisemoves @leathermyjoe @charlottedegraaf1 @dance4fitness_ana @gjt2140 @elevateartsUK @jas-jazumba

Who else gave support behind the scenes?

Janine Merikhy, Vic Robinson, Venus Cordon, Club des Sports, David Lloyd, Kal di Paola and the Acton Notebook, Arianna Magee, Cafe des Sports, Felix, Jon and Logan French.

Where can I see photos and videos?

I've added a few photos to the gallery above. It is true that there are some videos, but you'll have to pay extra to see them!

If you have more to share, please whatsapp or e-mail them to me.

Why on earth did you do it?

I love dance fitness. It's so much fun, you don't even notice you're doing exercise. I'm not a runner, so this is my kind of marathon, not some unimaginative, running-in-a-straight-line marathon where you can't all sing along together.

I'm a big believer in the power that sport, music and artistic expression can have to boost your mental health too. I know from personal experience that dance fitness can take you out of yourself during episodes of depression and give your mind a break from the constant worry of anxiety.

Mental ill health affects one in ten people at any given time, yet the majority of the world’s population can’t access specialist mental health support and many struggle in silence. With your donations, Comic Relief is working with partners to ensure that people experiencing mental health problems have access to appropriate help, and can live free from stigma and discrimination.

Where will my money go? 

We joined people up and down the UK to show that smiles have the power to change lives. However much you could spare, your donation will help tackle poverty, take action against violence and bring an end to discrimination in the UK and across the world. We fundraised for Red Nose Day because

- £5 could pay to get 20 meals to vulnerable children and families in the UK

- £10 could provide 20 reading books for children in community learning centres in Northern Uganda, where free pre-school services are very limited.

- £20 could provide a supportive coffee morning for families in the UK to share advice on caring for their child's mental health.

Comic Relief is also extremely concerned about the fast-deteriorating ongoing situation in Ukraine. As the conflict intensifies, civilians are increasingly at risk. They're working with their partners right now to make sure your Red Nose Day donations can support people fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Don't forget to tick the Gift Aid option, if you can, so Comic Relief can claim an extra 25% from the government. 

THANK YOU AGAIN!

Especially to: 

clubdessports.co.uk @club_des_sports for the venue

@leathermyjoe, @amielouisemoves, @charlottedegraaf1, @dance4fitness_ana @jas-jazumba @elevateartsuk, @gjt2140 for the energy, music and dance routines

@davidlloyd.actonpark for the energy drinks, protein bars and mince pies (yes really)

@actonnotebook for spreading the word in the local area

@arianna.magee for explaining Instagram to me

All the dancers — I can't tag them all here and some of them wouldn't even want me to (they were in disguise). But they were very, very good sports.

But mostly to...

Every single one of you who made a donation. Your kindess and support means a great deal to me — and will go to help people in real need all around the world.

Please e-mail lucy.tallon@gmail.com for more info