Husband and Wife Kate and John Greenhalgh, from Bolton, run A Year of Dates - an online firm selling boxes of envelopes containing 12 months of dating ideas, encouraging couples to try new experiences and create memories together. This year they have decided to follow their own advice, and have signed up to our 12 week Strictly Learn to Dance challenge, pledging to raise at least £500 each in sponsorship.

The pair will be taught how to foxtrot, quickstep and salsa in weekly classes led by the team at A Touch of Class dance studios in Little Lever, and step into the spotlight to dance at our grand finale in April where they will compete against other couples in front of a live audience at the Bolton Whites Hotel.

Kate said:

“One of the ideas in our dating box is to take a dance lesson together, so we thought it was time we took our own advice. I love watching Strictly on TV and now I get to experience some of the glitz and excitement. And learning to dance with John is great as it is something completely different for us to do together, it’s even better that we’ll be raising money for such a worthwhile cause while we do it.”

Kate and John have also donated 50 of their company 'A Year of Dates' Self Care Collection boxes to hardworking staff at the hospice, which they hope will encourage our team to take some time to look after themselves.

John said:

“Like many families in Bolton the hospice is a cause close to our heart, and they looked after my grandma with such care and compassion during her final days. I hope the staff enjoy their boxes, and that they encourage them to find a little time throughout the year to look after themselves as well as others.”

Kathryn Willett, Corporate and Community Fundraiser at Bolton Hospice said:

“We would like to say a huge thank you to John, Kate and all the couples who have signed up to support our Strictly Learn to Dance event this year. The majority of our contestants haven’t had any previous dance training and they will be generously giving up their time over the next 12 weeks to train for the event and to help raise vital funds for the hospice. It is one of the most memorable experiences our contestants will ever have and one we hope they will treasure forever.

The team at the hospice were thrilled to receive the self care boxes kindly donated by A Year of Dates. They are the perfect pick me up after what has been a very challenging two years for everyone. Our team provides the very best care to so many patients and their families and these self care boxes will be the perfect gift to encourage the team to take a little time to care for themselves too.”

The Greenhalgh’s, who have a six-year-old daughter, set up A Year of Dates in 2016 after John gave Kate a jar containing a year’s worth of date ideas all sealed in envelopes as a Christmas present.

Friends and family began to ask them for similar gifts, and Kate spotted a business idea. Five years on the pair now employ four staff at their HQ in the Nortex Business Centre on Chorley Old Road, and have sold 70,000 dating boxes to customers from around the world.

Kate said:

“Our little girl is so excited to see us dance, and everyone from our parents to our accountant and our suppliers have said they will buy a ticket for the grand finale. It’s going to be good fun, raise money for a fantastic charity and it's something we’ll both remember for years to come.”

There are still spaces in this year's Strictly Learn to Dance challenge! We are looking for 1 man and 4 couples to sign up and take part. You can find out more here.