Strictly fab-u-lous

£40,000 raised for Bury Hospice at Strictly Best Foot Forward 2023

Dance contestants at the 2023 Strictly Best Foot Forward (Strictly BFF) wowed excited audiences at the weekend (Saturday 11th November), raising £40,000 for Bury Hospice.

Eighteen brave participants took on the challenge of learning a range of dances, including: Cha, Cha, Cha, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Argentine Tango. Many of the performers had never danced before, but had developed their dancing abilities over a nine-week period of intensive training.

The annual competition, which is in its sixth year, is organised by dancer, Bury Hospice trustee, volunteer and fundraiser, Deborah Lisle, who is supported by a strong team who help to coordinate the contest each year.

Strictly BFF is one of the biggest fundraising events in the Bury Hospice calendar, drawing voluntary input from many individuals and organisations across Bury. 

The dancers had varied reasons for taking part in the competition (and associated events), many performing in memory of loved ones who have passed on, and some having had direct first-hand experiences of Bury Hospice’s services.

Dance partners Kirsty Allen and Mark Gregory were the overall winners of this year’s contest.

Mark overcame initial nerves to pull out all the stops on the dancefloor. He said: “I have never done anything so far outside of my comfort zone, so I really did not know what to expect. 

“I have absolutely loved every minute of it. It has been very challenging learning the routines, let alone one that could win. I made some amazing friends along the way too, who have been so supportive of me and everyone else involved.”

Mark credits the dancer teachers for bringing him “up to scratch” and “making us feel like dancers,” he thanks them and partner Kirsty for trusting him with the lifts.

Kirsty said she felt “absolutely incredible” on the night and was excited to share the culmination of nine weeks of hard work and training.

She added: “The whole group of contestants were just a joy to be around and we were all absolutely buzzing to get on the floor not just for our speciality dances, but to share the floor together.

“The audience reaction was amazing and this just helped ease any nerves and fill us with confidence.

“To hear just how much the hospice had raised on the night was no less than what the people who took part and the organisers of the event, deserved. It’s an incredible amount for a cause that means so much to so many; it deserves all the money in the world so that it can continue doing the work it does for patients and their families.” 

Both Mark and Kirsty were pleased to be announced winners and would recommend others to sign up, stating that making new friends, unlocking new skills and raising money for the hospice as being “one of the best decisions you can make,” and something that “you will not regret.” 

The pair praised the team behind Strictly BFF for being “absolutely amazing”, “giving the most support possible,” and for “making every Sunday morning practice so much fun.”

When speaking of the Strictly team, Kirsty said: “They are the driving force behind it being as fabulous as it is. It's an experience that I'll hold close to my heart for a very long time and I can't thank them enough for that.” 

The Strictly team, the celebrity judges (Sally Carman-Duttine, Vicky Myers, and Erin Shanagher), and the professional dancers, were just some of the people Deborah Lisle thanked for helping make Strictly BFF 2023 such a huge success.  

She added: “An extra special thanks goes to the contestants who shone like huge stars on the dancefloor. Your hard work and enthusiasm came to fruition; you danced from your hearts and for your loved ones and should be proud of what you achieved.

"Thank you for being part of Strictly 2023. A huge pat on the back for raising an incredible £38,000 and to our anonymous donor for offering to make that up to £40,000; we thank you all." 

Dale Mulgrew, Events Fundraiser at Bury Hospice, said: “We want to say a big thank you to everyone who supported Strictly Best Foot Forward this year. 

“A whopping £40,000 was raised, which wouldn't have been possible without the donations and impassioned participation of local people.”