By Niamh Gallagher
SIX glittering participants showed off their dancing skills at the third Strictly Kershaw’s event in aid of Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.
The contestants rallied round all their family and friends to watch – and rate – their dance moves at the evening at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, based on the BBC’s popular television show.
Over the past few months, they had been practising and learning routines with their dance partners, coached by the amazing Sean and Carole Madden from ‘Madd for Dance’.
The participants were Jean Stretton (Leader of Oldham Council) with Marco Maestro, Chris Hamilton (Oldham Roughyeds Manager) with Leah McNally, Janet Beachill (from Costco’s marketing team) with Jack Easton, Conor Marlin (Assessor for the Premier League Football) with Emily McGowan, Andrew Donnelly (Spectrum Brands Operations Controller) with Amy Edwards, and Nathan Murgatroyd (Roary The Roughyeds Mascot) with Charlotte Wild.
Oldham actresses Nicola Stephenson and Judith Barker were hosts on the evening, enjoying switching roles after recently performing in ‘Stepping Out’ in the West End, which is the story about a group of amateur tap dancers.
The dancers were scored by judges Gill Bussey (Dr Kershaw’s long-time supporter), Dave Thompson (teacher at North Chadderton School), and Anthony Birchall and Mandy Thompson (British National and European Latin Champions).
The competition was tough, the scores extremely close but the overall winner was Andrew Donnelly and his dance partner Amy Edwards.
Dr Kershaw’s said: “Thank you to everyone involved who has helped bring this spectacular event together, it was a fabulous event.”
Dr Kershaw’s Hospice provides a range of services tailored to those within the community living with life-limiting illness. For more information go onto their website: www.drkershawshospice.org.uk
