On Friday 6th November, I’ll be stepping onto the dance floor at the King’s Hall in Stoke-on-Trent to perform a live ballroom or Latin routine—in front of hundreds of guests and a panel of judges eek!

Over the coming months, I’ll be swapping my usual trainers for glitzy dancing shoes, learning a completely new routine and pushing myself well outside my comfort zone. Most importantly, I’ve pledged to raise at least £4,000 to help Dougie Mac continue providing the compassionate, specialist care for which it is so well known.

Dougie Mac supported my family back in 2013 when my Dad was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma brain tumour. When the time came, he was fast-tracked out of hospital so that he could spend his final days where he wanted to be — at home, surrounded by his family.

During that last week, the Dougie Mac Hospice at Home team were incredible. It honestly felt like they lived with us. They helped us care for Dad, supported us through the most difficult moments and, importantly, gave us the chance to get some sleep at night knowing that he was safe and being looked after.

When you're going through something like that, you never forget the people who step in and help carry you through it.

That's why Dougie Mac means so much to me and my family, and why raising money for them through Strictly Knot Dancing is so personal. It's my opportunity to give something back to the people who were there for us when we needed them most. ❤️

Every pound you donate will help make a difference, supporting Dougie Mac’s dedicated teams as they care for local people and their families during some of the most difficult times in their lives.

Please help me reach or exceed my £4,000 fundraising target and support this amazing local charity.

Together, we can dance for something that truly matters.

Thank you so much for your support ❤️