Charity dance event is Strictly spectacular

09 Jul Charity dance event is Strictly spectacular

Thousands of pounds have been raised for charity by the spectacular dance event Strictly Worcestershire, which was held at the Chateau Impney in Droitwich Spa.

Profits from the sell out event in May will be split between the Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign and Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer.

Producer Gerard Smith, who was also a contestant, said: “It has been an honour and privilege once again this year to raise funds for our two charities.

“On behalf of my project partners Sanctuary Group, Nexus Creative, ProJect Events, IntaSound, DanceAt8, Source Design, SB Print and Chris Green Media, I would like to thank the magnificent people and businesses of Worcestershire and beyond for their incredible support and contributions to this remarkable event.”

Winners of the prized glitterball trophy were Free Radio DJ Hursty and recruitment consultant Laura Bligh of Peach Recruitment, who gained maximum points for their rumba/cha cha and quickstep and also topped the audience vote.

Runners-up were Gerard Smith and Harrison Clark Rickerbys marketing director Anna Roby-Welford, pictured right. Completing the top three were Premier Places director Julia Williams and Dan Lewis, joint owner of DCL Window Cleaning.

Their fellow constestants were former Worcestershire Ambassadors chairman Granville Orange and Julie Worsfold; Wyre Forest based GPs Dr Simon and Dr Sally Rumley; Bekki Normoyle, director of Angel Hands Childcare and Adrian Harker, supply development controller of Worcester Bosch Logistics; David and Sue Connellan, directors of Worcester’s Mobile Mechanic; Nick Sandy, director of accountants Richards Sandy Partnership, and his wife Julia, tax and trusts manager with law firm Thursfields, and property maintenance professional John Kerr and Ashleigh Whittall.

Managing editor/owner of Live 24-Seven magazines Katie McPhilimey was joined on the judging panel by veteran broadcaster Bob Warman, former trade minister and business ambassador Lord Digby Jones and dancer/choreographer Katie Love.

Katie Love and Worcester-based Michael Buble tribute Steve Maitland performed at the black tie event, which was hosted by BBC Hereford and Worcester broadcaster Andrew Easton and Caron Steele, who claimed the 2014 title with husband Mark.

Photo: Simon Fall-Taylor of FT Images.