PICTURES: Hundreds gather for Poppyscotland's glittering Come Dancing contest in Inverness
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HUNDREDS of people gathered at an Inverness hotel to see challengers take to the dance floor for Poppyscotland's biggest ever Come Dancing contest.
Dancers sparkled on the dance floor at the Kingsmills Hotel on Saturday – and helped the charity to smash expectations by raising almost £20,000 towards its welfare work with the armed forces community.
Winners Barry Hirst and Sarah Wilson were dancing on air after they dazzled the judges and the capacity crowd with their Jive and Viennese waltz to claim the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
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The competition saw nine novice dancers paired with experienced partners, with each couple spending six months practising before the big night.
Kim Brown, from Nairn, another of the dancers, was presented with a trophy for her fundraising efforts, raising a total of more than £9000 in the run-up to the event.
STV’s Nicola McAlley joined international dance teachers James Montgomery and Donna Miller-Munro on the judging panel, as well as Poppyscotland’s head of fundraising, Gordon Michie.
Sarah and Barry said they had been surprised and delighted to win the first prize. Sarah had also raised a total of £2100 before the event, the second highest total.
Sarah said: “I decided to take the leap and apply after encouragement from friends and family. I was so excited to take part and put on a great show for everyone!”
Barry said he was inspired to sign up after working at an army base and gaining an insight into the daily lives of Armed Forces personnel.
He said: “They face problems such as being away from family and friends, or trauma after fighting in hostile environments, and of course integration back into Civvy Street. The work that Poppyscotland does in supporting our service personnel through these hard times is invaluable.”
They and the other couples were coached by Tristian and Jennifer Hill, the husband-and-wife team who run Toe 2 Toe dance.
The event has raised a total of £19,336 to date, including sponsorship, a raffle and an auction, with some funds still to be added.
Gordon Michie said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part and made this a night to remember. The standard was extremely high this year, and huge congratulations go to Barry and Sarah, Kim, and the team from Toe 2 Toe Dance.
“We would also like to thank our sponsors and the audience for their generosity, as this would not have been possible without the support of the local community.
“The money raised will make a huge difference to Poppyscotland’s life-changing work with the armed forces community, providing advice, support, and financial help. We are seeing unprecedented demand at the moment, as men, women and families throughout Scotland are hit by the financial crisis.
“This will help ensure Poppyscotland is there for them at their time of need, and their service and sacrifices are not forgotten.”
