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Learn more about our Strictly dancers and what dances they have been practicing over the past 2 months. Keep up to date with how they are finding their Bolton Hospice Strictly experience and help to support them!

Meet Adele & Frank - Cha Cha Cha

Adele & Frank are an active ‘young’ retired married couple living in Bromley Cross. Frank enjoys volunteering at our Furniture Plus shop twice a week. One of Franks co-workers took part last year and it gained his attention saying “I just had to give it a go.” As a huge ‘Strictly’ fan Adele said “its always been my dream to be up on stage dancing in the ballroom, surrounded by the glitter and the glitz.” She managed to bring Frank along and they are both loving the lessons, even if on the first lesson Frank accidently kicked the teacher!

Adele & Frank are in it for the fun, they want to learn how to dance and help raise some much needed funds for us. They said “its been harder than we thought it would be but we are up for the challenge. We are really looking forward to the finale night!” They will be cheered on loudly by their friends and family on the night of the final!

 

 

 

Meet Angela & Mick - Rock n' Roll

Angela grew up in Nottingham and currently works as a L&D/CSR Manager. Angela said, “I wanted to take part in Strictly as a close friend was supported by Bolton Hospice when she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and in her memory both my husband and I try do to fundraising each year to help raise vital funds for the hospice.” This event is Angela’s biggest challenge yet but she has always wanted to learn to dance.

“On the evening, I think I will be terrified, nervous and excited all at the same time especially with family and work colleagues in the audience that will be quite daunting.”

Mick grew up in Chorley and lived for a few years in South Africa. Mick is currently working as a police officer and wanted to take part in Strictly to support his wife with her desire to learn to dance. “We lost a dear friend and colleague to stage 4 cancer 4 years ago and both her and her family were fully supported by Bolton Hospice.” In her memory Angela and Mick aim to fundraise each year for us, but this is definitely out of Micks comfort zone!

“On the evening, I think I am likely to be excited to share with our family and friends the progress we have made and deliver all four dances!”

 

Anita & Tony - Salsa

Anita has always wanted to take part in Strictly Learn to Dance after using the our services in 2018 for her late dad “little Kev”. “I know how much the hospice needs people to fundraise for them and for me it was finding a challenge I could throw myself into whilst having fun and raising money too.” Her dad would have loved to see Anita do this after he took her to dance lessons at a young age. She said "its been much harder than i thought but knowing I am helping the hospice is the best thing."

Tony was born in Bury and now lives in Bolton. He heard about Strictly thought his partner Anita. She told him about the amazing work we do and how we helped her dad. So it was a 10 from Len!

 

Zoe and Bob - Cha Cha Cha

Bob is Bolton born and bred, he has recently retired after working as a pharmacist for 44 years. Zoe his friend asked him to take part in our Strictly Learn to Dance and he said why not? “My previous dancing experience was shuffling awkwardly at the end of the school disco, but I'll definitely do my best.” Bob is proud to be raising vital funds for Bolton Hospice. “On the evening I want to do my best but I have no worries about making a mess of things as its all about raising funds for Bolton Hospice.”

“I am looking forward to my Strictly Learn to Dance journey 2025 and raising lots of funds for Bolton Hospice.”

Zoe is also Bolton born and bred and currently works as a sales manager in hospitality. Zoe saw Strictly Learn to Dance in 2023 and has been wanting to take part ever since. The main reason Zoe wants to take part is that “Bolton Hospice has looked after some of my relatives over the years and they have provided such amazing care and they are such a worthy service, I wanted to help raise vital funds.” Zoe has always enjoyed watching Strictly on TV and has always wanted to learn to dance. Zoe is most looking forward to her dancing lessons and getting to know the other couples!

 

Paula and Carl - Salsa

Paula is married with a daughter and lives in Westhoughton. She works for and engineering company as an account assistant. Paula has previously worked at Bolton Hospice helping in the fundraising team. She knowns from experience that even though this is a very difficult, if not a rewarding task, the staff are always upbeat and extremely hard working. Paula said, “I met my dance partner at the rackets club and the clubs chosen charity is Bolton Hospice, Carl is the most amazing guy agreeing to be my partner and I can’t thank him enough!” She is looking forward to learning to dance and enjoying her lessons. Paula lost her mum last year, unfortunately her mum never made it to the hospice but Paula said, “this is for every single person who works, volunteers there, as they are worth their weight in gold!”

Carl is married and works as a transport manager. He loves football, which made him become a football referee plus a national referee tutor! Carl plays pickleball with Paula and agreed to help her raise much needed funds for Bolton Hospice. “Never in this lifetime did I think I would be competing in a Strictly Come Dancing, I’ve never had any dancing lessons before but hopefully the lessons will pay off!”

 

Steph and Duncan - Tango 

Steph has already done lots to support us, including taking part in our Sahara trek. She has always fancied learning to dance, but so far, it’s a lot harder than she thought! Duncan took a little more convincing than Steph, his wife. Duncan is a member of Rivington Triathlon Club and is used to a challenge. He is now swapping his lycra for sequins, his trainers for dancing shoes and stepping out of his comfort zone.  “The Hospice relies on events like these to raise money so that it can continue with the fantastic work that it does for patients and families in the Bolton area.” Duncan and Steph are proud to support us and are very grateful to everyone who has sponsored them!

 

Jen and Paul - Rock n' Roll 

Jen is a physio and has previously worked at Bolton Hospice. “I have witnessed the importance of hospice care and the impact it has on patients and their families.” Jen couldn’t think of a better way to support us than Strictly. She is completely new to dancing, but loving the experience!

Paul couldn’t say “yes” quick enough when his wife Jen asked him to take part in Strictly. “I’m aware of the amazing care Bolton Hospice provide, and we are both proud to support them.” Paul has always wanted to learn to dance and is looking forward to his lessons. He is very nervous but also can’t wait for the final night!

“We would both like to thank family, friends and clients who have supported us and the dance teachers for giving up their time to help us along the way.”

 

Kiera and Ethan - Salsa 

Kiera is continuing her Nana’s legacy by fundraising for Bolton Hospice, and she sadly lost an aunt to Cancer. Last year Kiera found out she has inherited the Lynch Syndrome gene, making it a greater risk of getting cancer. “Having places like Bolton Hospice in my community and town is really important.” Kiera has Autism, learning disability and Rubensteins Taybi Syndrome. Learning new skills and remembering how to do them is a challenge for her, but she loves to challenge herself. “I wanted to complete Strictly to show that going out of your comfort zone can be very scary and hard, it is also such a great opportunity to do something good for your community. I believe every community needs a ‘Bolton Hospice’ and I know that all the pennies count.”

Ethan works at a nursery and is very grateful to Julie for giving him the time off to practice and support him. He has never danced before but like Kiera loves a challenge. “Me and Kiera have been raising funds by promoting a ‘giving up a take away brew for a day’ campaign. We would both like to thank everyone who’s supporting us and helping to raise vital funds for Bolton Hospice.”

 

Lucy and Robin - Salsa

Lucy’s dream is to shake her tail and dazzle in sequins. “I can’t think of a better excuse than dressing up and embracing the moment, but also Bolton Hospice holds a special place in my heart. They looked after someone very special to me and the staff helped to make their last few months comfortable and painless.” Lucy also attended Bereavement Training which she has taken forward in her job. “This is for those families who all need the help and support from a charity like Bolton Hospice and in the hope I can dance without tripping up, falling over or putting my back out in the process!”

Robin is 53 years young and works as a porter at Salford Royal Hospital and is looking forward to be able to give back. “Hopefully we can make a change to someone’s life however large or small it may be by doing Strictly. I am enjoying the experience along the way and hopefully come out with a win, ha-ha!”

 

Mike and Erika - Argentine Tango

Mike and Erika have taken on Strictly to help support Bolton Hospice and they couldn’t be more excited. Neither of them have danced before, this is completely out of their comfort zone. “Bolton Hospice provide incredible care and support to those who need it most, and we wanted to do our part to give back.”

Their journey is not just about learning the steps, its also about helping to make a difference. “We truly appreciate all the support, and we can’t wait to hit the dance floor!”

 

Nathan and Kiki - Rock n' Roll 

Nathan and Kiki are father and daughter who decided to take part in Strictly as it gives them some quality time together. “We are enjoying helping to raise funds for such an amazing cause.” Kiki is finishing her GCSE’s and has a passion for dance although its been a brand new experience learning ballroom dancing. Nathan is a dentist and runs a Stirling Management Actos Agency with his wife Carly. Kiki is one of 6 children and they all can’t wait to support them on the night!

 

 

Phi and Ruby - Argentine Tango

Phil and Ruby are swapping their fire boots for dancing shoes in a bid to channel their inner Flavia and Giovanni. “Our friends and colleagues have relied on the care and support from Bolton Hospice, so the opportunity to fundraise whilst learning to dance was an offer too good to refuse.” Ruby is a Strictly fan but has never danced a single step. Phil has enjoyed reliving his childhood hobby 20+ years later. “We’ve truly thrown ourselves into the whole experience and we are having an absolute ball! Thank you to everyone for the amazing support!”

 

 

Travis and Suzanne - Cha Cha Cha

Travis has been dancing a few years and has decided to take a chance by entering Strictly to help raise money for Bolton Hospice. Travis works as a civil servant and said “I thought I should put my best foot forward, get involved and have an amazing time.” Outside of work he also volunteers as a radio presenter on Bolton FM. Travis is loving his journey and can’t wait for the final evening.

Suzanne grew up in Bolton and works as a probation service officer. “I wanted to take part in Strictly as I have seen firsthand the work that Bolton Hospice do and the dedication of all the staff and volunteers.” She has been enjoying the experience and is loving meeting all the other dancers. “On the evening I’m expecting to feel nervous and excited all at the same time.”

 

Jill and Tom - Salsa 

Jill works in the construction industry as a principal designer and H&S Advisor. She is 46 years old and a single mum of 2 children, 9 and 26 years old. “I love keeping fit and going to the gym as well as spending time with friends and family” I love dancing boxing and other activities. “I’ve been loving the experience and meeting the other dancers!”

Tom is competing in Strictly to help raise much needed funds. “The hospice is brilliant and have an amazing team who helped to care for my grandad in his last few weeks, it’s a brilliant way to learn to dance also!”

 

Tyrone and Lucy - Cha Cha Cha

Tyrone works at Bolton Hospital as nurses, and recognizes the incredible service provided by Bolton Hospice. They have recently supported a programme where nursing staff have worked at the hospice to experience the care we provide and support as a registered nurse. Tyrone said “Supporting the hospice is a great way to come together and challenge ourselves, the most difficult thing for me is reminding Lucy that the man leads, Haha.”

Lucy is a proud mum of two and works at Bolton Hospital with Tyrone. During her time as a student nurse Lucy has the privilege of having a placement at Bolton Hospice and saw firsthand the incredible work we provide. “They work with compassion, empathy and kindness to ensue those facing such difficult times are filled with peace and lasting positive memories. I also have friends who have experience the care of the hospice when they have lost loved ones.” Lucy is excited for the final night and is filled with both nerves and joy. She is very proud to be taking part in Strictly 2025 and can’t wait for all her friends and family to see her on the night! “I am doing this as a thank you from them and also to share what an incredible place the Hospice is and what it does for the community of Bolton.”

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Kate and Neb - Tango

Kate and Neb have been Strictly fans over the years and recently started dance classes together. “When we heard of Bolton Hospice Strictly Learn to Dance, we thought what a great way to raise money for such an amazing local charity, but also motivation to improve our dancing.” They wanted to take part last year but due to Kate snapping her Achilles they had to wait until her recovery. “we’ve been dancing regularly and are now looking forward to the show, see you all there!”

 

Andie and Andy - Rock n' Roll

Andie and Andy are a married couple who live with their family in Bolton. Andie is an occupational therapist for Greater Manchester Mental Health FT. “We wanted to take part in Strictly Learn to Dance to spend quality time together, learn how to dance and raise money for the hospice.” They have had friends who have taken part in Strictly and enjoyed supporting them. “We are loving being a part of it and excited for the finale, having our friends and family to cheer us on.”