Intrepid fundraisers spent the last 16 weeks learning to dance in order to raise more than £40,000 for Weldmar Hospicecare.

The 16 participants trained with the Eileen Spracklen School of Dance, based in Dorchester, before putting their skills to the test at Weldmar’s Strictly Ballroom at Weymouth Pavilion on Friday, March 17.

Glitz, glamour, and glitterball trophies were all part of the show that saw the amateur dancers don sequins and wow the crowds on the night.

Their fantastic efforts raised a mighty £42,000 for the charity - money that will help enable Weldmar to continue to provide specialist care for adults in Dorset who have a life-limiting illness.

The event has taken place since 2013 and during that time more than £125,000 has been raised to support the cause.

Matt Smith, Weldmar’s chief operating officer and host for the evening, said: “What an incredible night, and an amazing amount of money raised. The participants have all put their heart and soul into making the event and their fundraising a success, and have embodied Weldmar’s values, supporting each other along the way.”

“This is a record Strictly Ballroom for us and means that we have raised a total of over £125,000 since our first Strictly event in 2013.”

The audience was also entertained with dance performances from The Studio and Evolution Dance. 

After the judges' scores were added to the votes cast by the audience, Dawn Woodbury and Ian Winsor were announced as the Strictly Ballroom 2023 Champions. 

Dawn said: “Everyone did really well, everyone was so different. We’ve all been having such a great time in the green room, everyone has been cheering each other on. It’s been a fab evening, I would recommend it to anyone.”

Weldmar Hospicecare thanks all the participants and their supporters, Eileen & Gemma from the Eileen Spracklen School of Dancing, the judges Lou Sams, Emilie Hardy and Jason Edwards, and Emily from Lotus Photography for their help in making the show a success. 

The charity will mark its 30th anniversary next year and has announced two overseas challenges in recognition of the milestone involving trips to Madagascar and Machu Picchu.