Well then, this November, I’ll be stepping completely out of my comfort zone and taking part in Pendleside Does Strictly 2026, all to help raise vital funds for Pendleside Hospice.

If my current comfort zone is chasing balls around a cricket field all Summer, this is about as alien to me as it gets, given i've never even attempted to dance in my life!

However, after months of training with professional dancers from Sanderson Dance School, I’ll be performing live in front of friends, family and the local community as part of this amazing event at Burnley Life Church on Friday the 13th of November.

I’m doing this because Pendleside Hospice provides incredible care and support for local people living with life limiting illnesses, as well as their families and carers, during some of the hardest times in their lives. Their services are free of charge, but they rely heavily on donations to continue the amazing work they do.

Sadly my Grandad passed away at Pendleside back in January 2014, so this means a great deal to myself & my family who continue to support the fundraising.

The hospice now needs to raise millions every year to keep providing specialist inpatient, outpatient and community care across our area. Every single donation, however big or small genuinely makes a difference.

So while I’ll be learning dance routines & gearing up to probably make a complete tool of myself for a fantastic cause i’d really appreciate your support.

I will be looking to do a large proportion of my fundraising at Nelson Cricket Club over the Summer... come on down to get involved!

Thank you so much for donating and helping Pendleside continue supporting local families when they need it most!

T.