PICTURES: Strictly Inverness dancer cues up charity donations
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A Strictly Inverness dancer is hoping for a big break after being snookered a few weeks ago.
Jacqui Crawford, from Daviot, was paired with Robert Ince, from Dingwall, after both of their original dance partners dropped out of the annual dance contest.
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Now she is delighted with the new arrangement which means she is learning to master a Charleston and an Argentine tango, as well as a new group dance ahead of showtime in May.
"Swapping partners was worrying as I not only had to swap partners but had to start learning three new dances from scratch," said the 60-year-old proposals manager for Orion Group.
"I was learning the American smooth and the waltz but am glad I am not doing the waltz as the spinning gave me motion sickness!
"However my new partner Robert is as dedicated to the whole Strictly journey as I am and we get on really well. We're happy as dance partners and to help each other fundraise."
While learning to dance, Jacqui is also generating cash for Strictly Inverness organisers and hosts Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre.
"I turned 60 this year and have always wanted to learn to dance and think now is the time to step out of my comfort zone and do it, and in the meantime raise money for the hospice which provides an incredible service," Jacqui said.
"A friend of mine passed away in the hospice and also an aunt received end-of-life care. The care they received was incredible and both died with great care and dignity.
"In the past five years both my mum and my husband Richard have had cancer – thankfully now recovered. I do understand how difficult it is for families to live with a cancer diagnosis and I would like to give something back by raising money for a local cancer charity.
"My daughter’s best friend's son has played ice hockey at the ice rink for the past eight years and I see the enjoyment he gets from this, so it’s nice to also help the ice rink."
Her fundraising gained a £400 boost by staging a pool competition at 147 in Inverness.
"The winner very kindly put his prize money into the fundraising pot," Jacqui said. "Thanks to Gemma Berrie for organising the event and Paul Mackenzie for the venue."
Jackie has more fundraising planned including a ceilidh at Drakies Hall on March 23, a family fun day at the same venue on March 31 and a disco at Fairways on April 12.
