Great moves give Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre a huge boost
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AROUND £370,000 was raised for two charities thanks to the efforts of those involved with this year’s Strictly Inverness.
Sales manager Martin Montgomery (30), from Gollanfield, and supermarket manager Shannon Christie (22), from Inverness, won the 11th edition of the annual dance competition.
Sixteen couples competed in semi-finals, where the top four from each qualified for the final, with the event at Inverness Ice Centre running over four days.
The money will be split between the venue and Highland Hospice.
Afterwards, Shannon said: “I feel amazing. We were up against so many great competitors. I’m overwhelmed after winning but we put our heart and soul into our performances. A big thanks goes to our families and friends as they have been so supportive.”
Martin added: “It makes it all worth while when Martin ‘Papa’ Gill raised so much money [more than £60,000] for a great cause and we’ve had the chance to be part of it.”
Celebrity guest judge Anton du Beke, known for his role as a professional on TV’s Strictly, was staggered by the standard on display.
“It’s great, given that some of them have only been dancing since January,” he said. “It’s just brilliant what they have all managed to achieve.”
Runners-up were Gemma Kellacher and Darrel-John Paterson, while third place went to Tasha Lundie and Craig Noble.
Keep an eye on our website for more pictures tomorrow.
