Express & Star

Strictly Stafford raises £29k for Katharine House Hospice

A dozen dancers twirled their way to raising £29,000 for Katharine House Hospice in Stafford.

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Andrei Toader and Mia Linnik-Holden are the former Junior World Champions and All England Ballroom Champions. Photo: Pau Milgate-Scarrott

The Strictly Stafford competition, sponsored by IMOVEHOME, saw 12 contestants join professional dancers in a bid to raise funds for the charity.

All of the dancers. Photo: Paul Milgate-Scarrott

About 400 people came to watch the event at Staffordshire County Showground on Friday.

For eight weeks, the group of dancers were trained under the watchful eye of Danny Bell and his team of professional dancers.

Graeme Smith getting to grips with his partner. Photo: Paul Milgate-Scarrott

The panel of judges and the audience crowned Amber Talbott the winner and she was given the coveted glitter ball trophy.

The contestants were joined on the dance floor by celebrity dancers, Andrei Toader and Mia Linnik-Holden, stars of Channel 4's Baby Ballroom series.

Photo by Paul Milgate-Scarrott

Lisa Carson, event fundraiser at Katharine House Hospice, said: "It was a fantastic night, over 400 people came in total.

"We have reached £29,000 which is absolutely incredible, it was raised through ticket sales, an auction and sponsorship.

The winner Amber Talbott. Photo: Paul Milgate-Scarrott

"This is the fourth year we've done this and it's grown and grown each year.

"The money raised will pay for the whole Christmas period at the hospice.

"The winner picked up an injury half way into her training so she had to change her routine but she absolutely smashed it.

"I would like to thank all of the dancers that took part to help raise such a fantastic amount of money, Danny Bell who helped to put it together and the sponsors."