Cerebral charity Stick ‘n’ Step is hosting its first ever ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ themed fundraising event at the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool on Saturday 26th November 2022.
This glitzy black-tie event will see eight couples strut their stuff on the dancefloor as they battle it out to see who can raise the most money for the charity and who can pick up the all-important Glitter Ball Trophy too.
Each participant has been partnered with a professional dancer from Craig Jones’ famous School of Ballroom and Latin, based in Liverpool. The professional partner has helped each contestant select a specific dance and they have all been working hard over the course of 10 gruelling lessons to perfect their routine, ready to perform on the big night.
18-year-old Sonny, from Oxton, who has cerebral palsy and has attended Stick ‘n’ Step since he was eight years old, is one of the brave contestants. He will be dancing the waltz, with professional partner Giles. Sonny is used to working incredibly hard on his conductive education exercises that help improve his mobility, but nothing could have prepared him for Stick ‘n’ Step’s Strictly challenge.
Sonny says, “I absolutely love watching Strictly Come Dancing with my family, but I didn’t think I would ever have the opportunity to learn how to ballroom dance myself. The classes are such hard work, but taking part really is a dream come true for me. My dance partner is fantastic and I’m really enjoying my dance lessons.”
Another contestant is John Doyle, Principal Lawyer at Slater and Gordon, the event’s headline sponsor. John will be dancing the Viennese waltz, with professional dancer Ellie.
John says, “I am absolutely thrilled to be taking part in Strictly Stick n Step! Ballroom dancing is so far outside of my comfort zone that it is a huge challenge for me and although the rehearsals are really testing, given I am an absolute novice, Craig and my professional partner Ellie have been great, and very patient, teachers. With only a hint of competitiveness, all the other contestants are really encouraging and we are massively inspired by Sonny and how well he is doing. Although I’m somewhat nervous, I am actually really looking forward to the big night where we will hopefully raise lots of money for this amazing charity!”
Tickets are available now for the event, where guests will enjoy a drinks reception upon arrival, followed by a three-course meal before being treated to a showcase performance from the professional dancers and then the Strictly-style competition itself. There will be an auction and raffle too to help fundraise further.
Tickets cost £65 per person or £600 for a table of 10. If you are unable to attend, but would still like to support the charity, donating an auction or raffle prize would be very much appreciated. Call Jo on 07843 961272 or email her at joanne@sticknstep.org 
Stick ‘n’ Step provides free weekly conductive education sessions to children and young people with cerebral palsy up to the age of 25, allowing them to gain the skills they need to live more independent lives. The charity relies on supporters and volunteers to help raise the £750,000 required to deliver its services to over 100 families each year at its Wallasey and Runcorn centres. Find out more about the charity by visiting www.sticknstep.org
Main image: John Doyle, Principal Lawyer at Slater and Gordon, and his partner Ellie
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