Hull-based colleague Matt Brown has raised over £1,000 in a Strictly Come Dancing-style event in aid of the charity Dove House Hospice.
Known as the Dove House Hospice Strictly Learn To Dance Challenge 2023, months of practice saw Matt, dance partner Steph and 23 other duos performing in front of hundreds of spectators in Hull City Hall.
All the contestants performed one ballroom and one Latin dance each, as well as two group dances, with the event expected to raise £40,000 in total for Dove House Hospice.
Matt said: “What a great experience this was. I had an amazing time. I was so far out of my comfort zone and so nervous about performing in front of such a large crowd at a venue like Hull City Hall where I had been to see so many comedians and bands over the years but walking out for the first time was just incredible, so much noise from the whole place was just amazing.
"I was still nervous about performing and worried about getting it wrong but it did settle my nerves a bit especially seeing and hearing all my family and friends in the audience to support."
He added: "The night itself went passed in a blur, despite there being 12 couples dancing it felt like we had barely come off from one dance and were back on for the next. I danced a Tango to Bad Habits by Ed Sheeran and a Salsa to I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston, which both seemed to go well, as well as two group dances.
"We managed to get a 39 out of 40 for the Salsa which was great. I just can’t put into words what an amazing experience this was, the whole thing was just incredible to be a part of."
The digital and product content co-ordinator got involved in the fundraiser as a result of his daughter attending dance school.
Now, Matt has decided to continue his dance journey by attending the school where he practised his routines.
He said: "It was such an amazing event to be part of and raise loads of money for charity along the way. We haven’t been given a final total for the whole thing but we did manage to raise an incredible £9,229 on the night and the hope is that once it has all been counted up that the total raised will be in the region of £40,000.
"I’d like to say a massive thankyou to everybody who came to support me, everyone who sponsored me or donated to this fantastic charity and everyone for their interest and words of encouragement throughout the process.
"I genuinely couldn’t have done it without everyone’s support and the money raised will make a massive difference to the people who need the support of Dove House Hospice."
There’s still time to donate to Matt’s fundraising by visiting his JustGiving page.