Further delay for Strictly Inverness fundraiser in aid of Highland Hospice
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Fundraisers who signed up for this year’s Strictly Inverness dance competition will have to wait a little longer to step into the spotlight.
The competition, in aid of Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre, was originally planned for May 13-16 before it was announced in March that it would be put off until October due to the coronavirus lockdown.
However the lucrative event – which generated £162,200 for each cause last year and is the hospice’s single biggest annual money-spinner – has now been delayed until April 28-May 1, 2021.
Hospice communications officer Wendy Morgan said: “There is currently still a huge question mark over us planning to host an event of this size so soon. It’s not just the show nights themselves, but the dancers’ ability to complete their training and fundraise safely in the run-up.
“When our contestants finally get to perform next year it will be, without a doubt, the most emotional Strictly Inverness of its 11-year history.
"[Celebrity professional dancer] Anton du Beke will guest judge the final, just as he would have done this year, and we are really pulling out all the stops to make the event truly special for all involved.”
Already, the 32 dancers have collectively raised more than £65,000 for the two charities, despite much of their fundraising being halted in March.
Contestant Faye Ferguson, who is a nurse at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, has already raised £8439.
“I’ve loved the Strictly journey from day one – both dancing and fundraising,” she said. “Me and my dance partner Liam MacAskill have raised £14,000 between us already and it’s great knowing that this will help support the hospice’s patients and their families.
“Obviously we are competitive too, and just want to do the very best in both our fundraising and dancing. Roll on 2021 when we can get started again!”
Miss Morgan added: “We have a top team of dancers this year who got off to a flying start.
“Their commitment to fundraising has been inspiring, especially within the limitations of lockdown, and we are sure they will all hit the ground running when training resumes again in January 2021.
“Hopefully their family and friends who initially purchased tickets will be happy to transfer these to our new dates [at the ice centre] and help us make Strictly Inverness 2021 an event to remember.”
For more, visit www.highlandhospice.org/strictlyinverness
