Couple 11

Jamie

My name is Jamie Toole, I am 37 years of age, and I hail from Hillhall in Lisburn. I attend Hillhall Presbyterian Church and am the Group Scout Leader for 1st Hillhall, where I have been a member since my early childhood. I studied Dentistry at Queen’s University Belfast and now work in the School of Dentistry at the Royal Victoria Hospital. Last year, I took part in a medical and dental camp to Lebanon in partnership with the Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development, offering free medical and dental assistance to refugees and vulnerable Lebanese who are unable to access medical or dental care on their own. I am heading back again in October of this year, although it isn’t going down too well in certain circles that I will miss my dance class while in Lebanon for a week!

I am a keen traveller and I like to combine this with hiking, Mount Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp and this year I returned to India to climb Kang Yatse II. I also enjoy running, well I say enjoy, but anyway I run. I ran the New York marathon in 2016 for Action Cancer and I often run in local events. I am a bit of a car fanatic and enjoy taking part in motoring events like trips to the Le Mans 24 Hr Race and in 2019 I undertook the Parenta Trust Rally from Maidstone to Monaco as part of Team Veloce-Raptor, driving through eight countries, traversing the Alps and negotiating the winding roads of the Furka pass, onward to success, and all in a 10+ year old Alfa Romeo 156.

Those who know me well are completely shocked that I am dancing in Strictly, I would much rather climb a mountain than dance. I am taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing because my mum, Jennifer, works at Via Wings so our entire family have all become volunteers in some fashion or other and somehow, I was “persuaded” to give it a go. Seriously though, I really hope to help raise funds in support of the Children’s Wellbeing Centre at Via Wings.

Sarah

Hi there, for those who don’t know me, I am Sarah Beggs, wife to Richard Beggs, Mum to our three beautiful children, Jacob, Joshua, and Darcy and devoted Prosecco connoisseur! I am 32 and have just recently taken on a new job role of Managing Director in a company called RB Contracts, before you nod your head in approval, my husband owns the company! In my free time, I love, love, LOVE to hike, socialise with family and friends and buy shoes that I definitely don’t need!

Why am I doing this? Good question because I have zero coordination along with two left feet according to Alan! Seriously though, regardless of ability, who doesn’t love to dance? So, to dance, raise money for such a fantastic cause (and of course get a new pair of dancing shoes) I mean it was a no brainer. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in working so hard behind the scenes to make it all happen, it really is an honour to have the opportunity to take part. And last, but by no means least, a very special thank you to my wonderful dancing partner Jamie who has carried me through the last weeks, quite literally! You have been amazing, thank you for a truly unforgettable experience!