Better than 5-star service; I could never have received better care.
- Hospice patient
Strictly St. Rocco's
Our glitziest fundraiser returns on Sunday 9th December!
Once again our superstar volunteer dancers will be tripping the light fantastic with their professional partners at the Mere Golf Resort and Spa on Sunday 9th December to raise vital funds to support our patients and families.
Our amateur dancers will be partnered with professional dancers from Cadmans Dance but who will be your favourite this year? Read on to find out!
| Andrea Hildrup | Adey Lummis |
| Keith Robertson | Alison Moody |
| Sarah Derbyshire | Daniel Lees |
| Shaun McDermott | Liz Williamson |
| Caz Clair | Emile Kreisler |
Andrea Hilldrup – Teacher, St. Wilfred’s CE Primary School, Grappenhall
dancing the Quick Step with professional partner Callam Thomson
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/andrea-hilldrup2018
1. Why did you decide to get involved in Strictly St Rocco’s?
My mum looked after by St Rocco's three years ago and ever since then I've wanted to fundraise to say thank you for the amazing care and support she was given. Mum was my best friend and when we were given the devastating news that there was no more treatment available for her, it was heart-breaking. I'd always believed hospices were scary, miserable places but I couldn't have been more wrong. St Rocco's gave mum her positivity back when she was at her lowest point - she was smiling and joking with the staff and my children (aged 4 and 6 at the time) loved going to visit her there so they could sit in the garden or play in the family room with her. When mum passed away, she was at home, where she wanted to be, thanks to St Rocco's Hospice at Home service. We will be eternally grateful for everything they have done for us as a family at such a difficult time.
2. What is your previous dancing experience and how are you feeling about dancing?
I have no previous dancing experience and lack coordination, but my mum loved watching Strictly Come Dancing so it seems like the perfect thing to do in her memory. I have been a cross country runner since the age of 11, racing through mud on cold winter mornings, so dancing elegantly in heels is going to be a massive challenge for me. The thought of performing in front of so many people is terrifying but I'm also excited to learn something new.
3. What are you hoping the experience of dancing for St. Rocco’s is going to be like?
I'm hoping to enjoy the whole experience, have fun and obviously raise lots of money for St Rocco's. You never know, I may even swap my running trainers for dancing shoes!
Keith Robertson - Director & Independent Financial Adviser, Harrington Robertson Wealth Management Limited
dancing the American Smooth with professional partner Holly Hewitt
http://www.justgiving.com/Keith-Robertson4
1. Why did you decide to get involved in Strictly St Rocco’s?
St Rocco’s holds a very special place in my heart after seeing first-hand how they cared for my Dad in his final weeks when he stayed there 11 years ago. We were so very impressed and ever so grateful, and since then I have always tried to help in fundraising for them, so that that they can support other families in the same way.
2. What is your previous dancing experience and how are you feeling about dancing?
My previous experience of dancing (very loose term of it really) would be after several drinks on a Friday or Saturday night on the dance floors of Fiesta, Mr Smiths, Secrets, Mississippi Showboat, etc., all to the classics of the 80s and 90s!. But I have certainly never done anything like this at all. I do like a challenge however, and despite being way outside my comfort zone, I shall give it my best shot, have as much fun as possible and enjoy the experience and, of course, always remembering that it’s for such a fantastic cause.
3. What are you hoping the experience of dancing for St. Rocco’s is going to be like?
Despite the initial thoughts of “What have I done here?” I really am looking forward to this exciting challenge and learning a new skill. I know it will require lots of hard work coupled with lots of laughter too! Deep down I am looking forward to my time under the spotlight in December, although maybe not looking forward so much to the spray tan!
Sarah Derbyshire – Business Manager, McDonald’s
dancing the samba with professional partner Alex Whyatt
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sarah-derbyshire
1. Why did you decide to get involved in Strictly St Rocco’s?
I have been fundraising for St Rocco's for over 10 years. I am currently a Business Manager at McDonald's in the town centre and we always try to raise money for St. Rocco’s each year. St Rocco's offers so much not only to its patients but to their families, friends and the Warrington community. People's perspectives of a hospice can be misguided; St Rocco's is a warm and welcoming place offering outstanding care and facilities for the people that need it during the most difficult times.
I believe we are very privileged to have such an incredible charity in our town and it is important to support such a giving and needed charity to ensure it can run and be there for the people that require the care that the hospice provides. Taking part in Strictly St Rocco's is a new and challenging way to help raise funds and I am very excited to be a part of it.
2. What is your previous dancing experience and how are you feeling about dancing?
Unfortunately my dancing experience is rather lacking. The only time I set foot on a dance floor is after a few glasses of wine or cocktails at a party or wedding. I like to think I have some good moves and a bit of rhythm, although that is more than likely down to the effects of alcohol. I am both nervous and excited about dancing for Strictly St Rocco's. I love a challenge and I am very eager to learn and have some fun all in the name of charity.
3. What are you hoping the experience of dancing for St. Rocco’s is going to be like?
I wanted to do something a little different to help raise money and Strictly St Rocco's is exactly that! The night has raised so much money for the hospice in previous years and I feel so lucky to be a part of that for 2018. I am looking forward to having some fun and meeting new people along the way. The journey will be challenging but I am looking forward to the experience. I am excited to perform and hopefully my nerves won’t get the better of me. My motivation will be to raise as much money as possible for the hospice and the patients that need the care and support St Rocco's offers.
Shaun McDermott – Contract Manager, Torus Housing
dancing the Charleston with professional partner Natalie Goodier
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/shaun-mcdermott3
1. Why did you decide to get involved in Strictly St Rocco’s?
St. Rocco’s is a local charity that does totally amazing work and has helped family and friends in the past.
2. What is your previous dancing experience and how are you feeling about dancing?
My dancing experience involves drunken dad dancing “strutting my stuff like Robbie Williams”. I’m feeling nervous about dancing, swapping the rugby pitch for the ballroom dance floor!
3. What are you hoping the experience of dancing for St. Rocco’s is going to be like?
I’m hoping it will test me mentally and physically and take me out of my comfort zone….and give my mates a laugh.
Caz Clair – Lead Complementary Therapist, St. Rocco’s Hospice
dancing the Waltz with professional partner Michael Champion
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/caz-clair
1. Why did you decide to get involved in Strictly St Rocco’s?
I'm supporting St Rocco’s as I see the amazing help, support and care the staff are able to give people with life limiting illnesses. We’re a charity and so raising money allows us to continue the work we do helping people and their families.
2. What is your previous dancing experience and how are you feeling about dancing?
I have no experience of dance really, but I love to dance at parties and around the house!
3. What are you hoping the experience of dancing for St. Rocco’s is going to be like?
I’m looking forward to being taught professionally and having an amazing evening with everyone in December!
Adey Lummis – Barber, The Original Barbershop, Stockton Heath
dancing the Cha, Cha, Cha with professional partner Leah Hughes
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/adrian-lummis1
1. Why did you decide to get involved in Strictly St Rocco’s?
I attended Strictly St. Rocco’s last year and was really moved to hear about the difference the care at St. Rocco’s makes to patients and their families. I’m a local business owner from Warrington and so when I was asked if I’d dance I knew this would be a once in a life time opportunity to raise money for my local hospice.
2. What is your previous dancing experience and how are you feeling about dancing?
My previous dancing experience is limited. I spent a lot of time on the dancefloor when I was Club 18-30’s holiday rep and on a night out at Mr Smith’s which was over 30 years ago. I’m feeling nervous and little apprehensive but I’m going to enjoy and have some fun.
3. What are you hoping the experience of dancing for St. Rocco’s is going to be like?
I’m looking forward to the challenge, learning something new and doing something to make a difference for patients being cared for by St. Rocco’s.
Alison Moody – General Manager, Manflex Ltd
dancing the Tango with professional partner Chris Millward
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alison-moody2018
1. Why did you decide to get involved in Strictly St Rocco’s?
I have been volunteering for St Rocco’s for 8 years now and the work that the hospice does is fantastic. I have in recent years lost a number of my dear friends to cancer and in their last few weeks of life they stayed at St Rocco’s where there every need was taken care of with love and dignity - I want to help to raise money for this great cause.
2. What is your previous dancing experience and how are you feeling about dancing?
I have no previous experience of ballroom or latin dance - except for probably a tipsy night at Secrets in the 80's on the dancefloor with my friends, but I am willing to give this my best shot and enjoy every moment.
3. What are you hoping the experience of dancing for St. Rocco’s is going to be like?
I am looking forward to the amazing outfits and just enjoying every moment of the night - I am sure it will be emotional for all the 10 novice dancers but we are sure to put on a show worthy of the night.
Daniel Lee – Head of Clinical Negligence, Clear Law
dancing the Salsa with professional partner Georgina Burke
1. Why did you decide to get involved in Strictly St Rocco’s?
I decided to get involved and support St Rocco's as I have seen at first hand and heard what a wonderful job you do locally for those with serious and terminal illness.
2. What is your previous dancing experience and how are you feeling about dancing?
I have no previous dance experience at all, I am nervous but excited and keen to learn.
2. What is your previous dancing experience and how are you feeling about dancing?
I am hoping the experience will be enjoyable and rewarding.
Liz Williamson – Corporate Bank Manager, Handelsbanken
dancing the Paso Doble with professional partner Lewis Crowder
http://www.justgiving.com/Liz-Williamson1422
1. Why did you decide to get involved in Strictly St Rocco’s?
St Rocco's is a fantastic charity, which helps and cares for so many people living in Warrington. The support the hospice provides for both patients and families during difficult times is amazing. Being born and bred in Warrington, this is my way of giving something back to this amazing charity.
2. What is your previous dancing experience and how are you feeling about dancing?
So........... I went to Orford Park Community Centre at the age of 5 for tap and ballet lessons, and haven't done anything since. I'm loving the lessons with Vicky and Paul at Cadmans, but really nervous about dancing on the night.
3. What are you hoping the experience of dancing for St. Rocco’s is going to be like?
Having been to support my cousin Zac, who was runner-up in the 2016 event, I'm fully aware of what the night will be like. However, that was as a supporter and not as a participant! I'm hoping to raise as much money as I possibly can for St. Rocco’s and have some fun in the process. I'm hoping not to embarrass my family and friends too much, especially my children, Holly and James.
Emile Kreisler – Managing Director, Smithfields, Stockton Heath
dancing the Jive with professional partner Amy Hancock
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/emile-kreisler
1. Why did you decide to get involved in Strictly St Rocco’s?
You’re very lucky if you, a family member or a friend don’t need St Rocco’s at some point. It’s that important to our town and it’s all of our responsibilities as Warringtonians to do our bit to keep it running.
My dad spent his last weeks in St Rocco’s, so I have first-hand experience of how necessary the hospice is to the patients and their families. I was at the fabulous Strictly St. Rocco’s event for the first time last year supporting a friend and was ‘fortunately’ nominated to take part this year. I couldn’t really say no, could I?
2. What is your previous dancing experience and how are you feeling about dancing?
I have no ballroom / Latin dancing experience whatsoever, I’ve never watched ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and I don’t even dance on nights out. I have zero flexibility, no sense of rhythm and I don’t like being in the public eye! The lessons have been kind of enjoyable but stressful when they haven’t been going to plan. Amy, my partner, has been very patient but it has been even harder than I feared. The jive is the fastest and most difficult dance to learn apparently - or maybe I’ve been told that to make me feel better about not being able to do it properly!
3. What are you hoping the experience of dancing for St. Rocco’s is going to be like?
Regardless of my performance worries, I’m really pleased to be giving my rare time out of work to St Rocco’s. It’s rewarding to be doing something charitable for once, as it’s not something that I’ve made time for in the past. This is a cause close to my heart that is worth making sacrifices for and my single minded objective is to raise a substantial amount of money for St. Rocco’s. I’m looking forward to making a difference where it matters and is needed most.