Get ready for a fab-u-lous night of dance, glitz, and glamour at Strictly Saint Francis. I have been chosen to participate in this fab-u-lous event to learn the Quickstep and Cha cha cha with my dance partner the lovely Michelle to raise vital funds for Saint Francis hospice.

My personal reason for participating is that I am a physiotherapist working at Saint Francis hospice as part of the Therapy team. I have first-hand clinical experience of the importance of the palliative care and how essential it is to the individuals and the legacy it leaves behind to the families. I find it a huge privilege to work for the hospice, and being part of Strictly Saint Francis would be another aspect of giving back to the individuals requiring this essential palliative care and support.

I have loved dancing from a very young age, and this has continued into my adult life. In my childhood I learnt a variety of dance types including Latin, ballroom and freestyle. I did have a period of not completing much dancing into my late teens to my twenties (apart from going out clubbing of course).

However, when meeting my husband (Richard) in my late twenties we both realised early on in our relationship that we would like to learn to dance the Jive. We joined a dance class and started attending vintage events and fully embracing the music, dance and 1940s/1950s style.

More recently me and Richard have not been able to complete as much dancing after the very fortunate arrival of our son (George) in 2019. Since, parenthood we now tend to take to dancing around our kitchen but still enjoy the connection this brings in our relationship. On the occasions we do have a babysitter and I still realise that my passion for dance is very much there.

I feel this Strictly Saint Francis is going to re-ignite my passion for dancing and challenge myself in learning new styles of dance and I will give it my 110%. I do not always have the highest degree of self-confidence in myself and feel this will give huge boost in my own personal self-development. I would also like to be a role model to my son that you can do anything if you give it your all.

I would be extremely grateful for any support and donations received to achieve my fundraising target. I cannot wait but equally feel butterflies in my belly regarding performing on the night so please give me a cheer.

Most importantly, every step danced and every pound raised will help fund the vital care provided by Saint Francis Hospice to people with palliative and end of life care needs and their loved ones.

Saint Francis Hospice specialises in providing care for any person, from any faith or cultural background, who has been diagnosed with a serious illness who lives in Havering, Brentwood, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge or West Essex.

Working in palliative care continually reinforces the need to embrace opportunities and make the most of every second, so I am thankful for being chosen as one of the Strictly Saint Francis participates. Looking forward to getting my dancing shoes on and sequins dazzling in the spotlight.