Couples called to the floor as Martin House Hospice's "Strictly Get Dancing" fundraiser returns

Martin House has launched a search for couples to step into the spotlight and compete for the Glitter Ball trophy when Strictly Get Dancing takes place in Leeds next March.

It sees the return of the popular fundraising event, after last year's cancellation due to COVID, and will provide a much needed boost to the £9m each year that is needed for Martin House to provide family-led care and support for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

Reigning dance champion Kate Curtis, who took part in the hospice’s last competition in 2019, has urged people to sign up.

She said: “Martin House did so much for us when Coconut died, and we wanted to give something back, so as a family we did the Great North Run, but then Dani signed us up for Strictly Get Dancing.

“It was completely out of my comfort zone, but it was such a confidence builder and a personal challenge for me, and I had so much fun taking part. Our teachers were amazing, and we really looked forward to the rehearsals, all the couples who were dancing were so nice, and we’re still in touch two years later.

“People said to me they could never get up and dance like that, but that’s what I’d have said before I took part. So I’d tell people to just go for it – it’s just such a good experience.”

Couples who sign up for Strictly Get Dancing will take part in six weeks of lessons from January 23 to learn a Latin and a ballroom dance at Danceology in Wetherby, before the show

night at Aspire in Leeds on Saturday March 12, where they will compete in front of a panel of celebrity judges.

Sara Cracknell, event fundraiser at Martin House, added: “Every year our competitors tell us how rewarding it is to take part in Strictly Get Dancing. It doesn’t matter if you’re a total

novice – our dance teachers will get you ready for show night.

“It’s an incredible experience, but at the same time you are helping to raise money to support seriously ill children and their families.”

Sign Up

Anyone interested in finding out more or signing up to take part in Strictly Get Dancing can find out more details at www.martinhouse.org.uk/strictlydancers or by contacting [email protected]. It costs £25 per person to register, and couples are asked to raise a minimum of £500.

Martin House

Every year and for the last 30 years the hospice, based at Boston Spa has supported over 420 children and young people, and their families plus more than 150 bereaved families across West, North and East Yorkshire, at our hospice, in hospitals and in families’ own homes.