Strictly is back in Bolton — and somehow, we’ve ended up on the dance card!

We’re Lauren McKechnie (Age UK Bolton) and Ben Lawton (Bolton Wanderers in the Community): two Chief Execs more used to steering partnerships than mastering paso dobles… but all for a cause that truly matters.

We’re taking part in the 2026 Strictly Learn to Dance competition to raise vital funds for Bolton Hospice — a place that brings compassion, dignity and comfort to families across our borough when they need it most.

For us, this is more than a fundraiser. It’s a snapshot of how Bolton works at its best.

Our VCSE sector thrives because we back each other — across services, across organisations and, apparently, across the dance floor. We’re not competitors; we’re part of a collective that shows up for the people and place we love.

As Co-Chair (Lauren) and Board Member (Ben) of the We Are Bolton Ambassador Board, we work side-by-side to champion Bolton’s story, ambition and identity. Taking on this challenge together feels like a natural extension of that shared purpose — a fun, slightly terrifying, but meaningful way of putting our civic pride into action.

If you can support us, we’d be so grateful.

If you can’t, a cheer (or a gentle laugh) is equally welcome.

Let’s do this for Bolton Hospice — and for Bolton.

#WeAreBolton #BoltonBornToPerform