Strictly-inspired event raises more than £50,000 for St. Luke’s Hospice

A Strictly-inspired fundraising event, hosted by former Strictly Come Dancing professional, Ian Waite, has raised more than £50,000 for charity St. Luke’s Hospice in Basildon, Essex.

The highly anticipated Strictly St. Luke’s took place on Saturday 21st March at the Brentwood Centre, Essex, where dance enthusiasts, fans of Strictly Come Dancing and supporters of the Hospice gathered to enjoy an unforgettable evening of dazzling performances and fundraising.

Ten couples took part in this year’s Strictly St. Luke’s, each performing two dances for a panel of judges and audience of over 600 in the hopes of winning the coveted Glitter ball trophy. The winning couple was Ashley Ross, from Basildon, who was partnered with professional dancer Lorraine Clarkson.

The dancers were scored by a panel of judges: Yvonne Saunders from Dance Options in Cheam, Surrey, Anita Spiers, Co-founder of Aniana School of Dance, Qualified dance teacher and examiner, and longstanding Member of the International Dance Teachers Association, Ian Spiers, Qualified dance teacher and Co-founder of Aniana School of Dance and Peter Davies, a long-time supporter of the Hospice and a veteran Strictly St. Luke’s judge.

Ian Waite, who performed two showcase dances with professional dance partner, Lowri Beth Evans, said: "What a blast it was to host and perform at Strictly St. Luke’s! The dancers were outstanding and have done such a fantastic job fundraising for such an amazing charity. Thank you to the audience for being the best cheerleaders and supporters. You have helped raise a fantastic amount to support the vital care St. Luke’s Hospice provides.”

Strictly St. Luke’s is organised by St. Luke’s Hospice and dancer Lynda King, who runs Lynda King Dance Ltd.

To date more than £270,000 has been raised from Strictly St. Luke’s events. Funds raised at Strictly St. Luke’s will support the continued provision of specialist palliative and end of life care in the community.

Kerry Chambers, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at St. Luke’s Hospice, said: “We are extremely grateful to everyone who helped make Strictly St. Luke’s so special - from the dancers and judges to our wonderful volunteers, host Ian Waite, Lynda King, our speaker Greg, and the fantastic audience. Strictly St. Luke’s encourages people to step out of their comfort zone, try something new and raise essential funds for St. Luke’s Hospice. If anyone is inspired to take part next year, please register your interest and it might be you lifting the trophy in 2027”.

Strictly St. Luke's was kindly supported by T. Cribb & Sons.