20 hours Ago
Bolton Hospice ’s annual "Strictly Learn to Dance" event has once again proven to be a resounding success, with participants dazzling the audience and judges with their newfound dancing skills, all while raising vital funds for the hospice. The sparkling event, which took place at the Bolton Wanderers’ Stadium Hotel on Saturday, March 29, saw 17 couples take to the dance floor after 12 weeks of intensive training at A Touch of Class Dance Studio. Mayoress Karen Holdsworth (left), Mayor of Bolton Andy Morgan (centre) and Chair of Bolton Hospice Judith Bromley (right) were special guests at the glamorous event.
(Image: Bolton Hospice) Not only did the dancing duos put their nerves aside to perform in front of a live audience, they also braved this year’s panel of judges. This year the panel included esteemed professional ballroom and Latin dancers and experienced adjudicators Alan Newman, David Brankley and Marie Sanham, and Newsquest’s regional editor for the North West and Bolton News editor, Richard Duggan. From back row left: David Brankley, Alan Newman, Richard Duggan and Marie Sanham.
Front row: Phil Ashcroft, Mayoress Karen Holdsworth, Mayor Andy Morgan, Judith Bromley and Andrew Dickson. (Image: Bolton Hospice) Also in attendance was Bolton mayor Cllr Andy Morgan , mayoress Karen Holdsworth, deputy CEO of Bolton Hospice Alice Atkinson, chair of Bolton Hospice Judith Bromley and Bolton FM hosts Phil Ashcroft and Andrew Dickson. The winners of the evening, Phil Hindsley and Ruby Abbott , who are both firefighters at Bolton Central, impressed the judging panel with their Argentine tango and received full marks from all four judges and scored the highest of the evening.
Phil Hindsley and Ruby Abbott were crowned the winners of the event, scoring full marks from all four judges. (Image: Phil Hindsley) The pair were crowned Quick Step Champions 2025, Argentine Tango Champions 2025 and Overall Strictly Champions 2025. Phil and Ruby's Argentine Tango routine scored full marks.
(Image: Phil Hindsley) The two have raised more than £1,700 for the hospice and even put on a number of events to boost funds, such as a charity car wash at Bolton Central Fire Station. READ MORE: Bolton Hospice Strictly experience features Bolton firefighters Bolton Hospice officially opens new Little Lever shop Bolton Hospice receives £100k funding from Government Speaking to The Bolton News, Phil said: “Me and Ruby are thrilled to have won the event, we managed to get a clean sweep of 10s for our dance. Phil (left), The Principal, Teresa Croasdale of A Touch of Class Dance Studio (centre) and Ruby Abbott (left).
(Image: Bolton Hospice) “We are both made up and thrilled with the result. We have been blown away by the support we received from the crowd and all our friends, family and colleagues who came to cheer us on. "We're extremely proud, especially after we put in so many hours practicing.
Phil and Ruby received perfect tens across the board from all four judges. (Image: Phil Hindsley) “It has been the best experience ever! We have loved every minute of it and will be carrying on dancing!”. In the rock and roll category, father and daughter dancing duo, Nathan and Kiki were crowned the winners of the evening.
Nathan and Kiki came first in the Rock and Roll category for their routine. (Image: Bolton Hospice) The pair decided to sign up for the challenge to give them more quality time together. Kiki is finishing her GCSEs and has a passion for dance, although it's been a new experience learning ballroom dancing.
The pair were cheered on by family and friends as they did their Rock and Roll routine. (Image: Bolton Hospice) Nathan said: "We absolutely loved every minute and it was an absolute honour to take part for such an amazing cause. "To have the chance to take part with my daughter was such a special memory we will cherish forever and when we won the Rock and Roll section it was the icing on the cake! I still can't quite believe it!" Kiki added: "It was a very fun experience and I would love to do it again.
" So far this year’s Strictly Learn to Dance participants have raised more than £30,000 from their own fundraising – an incredible amount, a testament to the dancers’ dedication and determination – with more funds raised on the night still to be counted and announced. The mayor of Bolton, Cllr Andy Morgan, who is also a trustee of the hospice, said: “The dedication and enthusiasm of everyone involved was truly inspiring. Phil Hindsley (left), Ruby Abbott (centre) and Mayor of Bolton Cllr Andy Morgan (right).
(Image: Phil Hindsley) “Events like this not only raise vital funds to support the care Bolton Hospice provides but also brings the community together in such a positive way. “It’s heart-warming to see so many showcasing their talent and commitment to a cause that means so much to Bolton. “Well done to all the participants and their support for making this event such a success! “Bolton is a better place because of you all!”.
The fantastic event gave dancers a chance to showcase their talents. (Image: Bolton Hospice) Louise Gray, events fundraiser at the hospice, said: “ On behalf of everyone at the hospice, I’d like to extend a huge thank you to our participants, guests, volunteers, Bolton FM, the wonderful Touch of Class Dance studio, our guest judges who did a fantastic job & event sponsor, Stateside Foods, who made the evening possible! “We couldn’t have done it without you, thank you so much for your support!” The hospice relies heavily on the generosity of the community to continue providing specialist care and support for local people with life-limiting illnesses, and their families. The Strictly Learn to Dance event is a key fundraising activity, and its success is a testament to the incredible support the hospice receives from the Bolton community.
Those who wish to get involved next year can register their interest as a dancer with the hospice’s fundraising team at [email protected].
