Dr Kershaw’s Strictly

Join us for our very own version of Strictly Come Dancing! Our popular event sees dancers putting their moves to the test to raise vital funds for the Hospice.

Dr Kershaw’s Strictly 2026

‘Dancing through the Decades’ themed Dr Kershaw’s Strictly Event raises thousands for patient care

Friday 13th March saw us bring our very own version of Strictly Come Dancing to a fantastic new venue, Vermilion, for another unforgettable evening of fundraising in support of patient care at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

Eight incredible dance couples took to the floor after weeks of training, performing to an audience of over 550 guests. Following the theme Dancing through the Decades, the audience were treated to a variety of routines to hits including Grease, Gold and Jailhouse Rock.

The evening began with a welcome from our fantastic host Ian Taylor, followed by a performance from last year’s winners Jack and Katie and a group medley from this year’s dancers. Performers from The Amy Mackie School of Dance & Drama also wowed the audience before guests enjoyed a three-course meal with live entertainment from our dinner singer.

The competition then got underway, with each couple performing their routine, alongside a spectacular professional performance from Sarah and Phil Matthews. There was also a moving patient story from Lisa Hagan, who spoke about the care her husband received at the Hospice.

The evening also featured a live auction and raffle, helping to raise vital funds, with unique prizes including a Day in the Life of a GMP Officer and a tour of the House of Lords.

The night ended with an exciting dance-off between dancers Kelly and Ashleigh, who both work on our In-Patient Unit, and Ashleigh and Luke. Ashleigh and Luke stole the show with a unanimous judges’ vote, performing to Cuban Pete dressed as Jim Carrey’s The Mask and a police officer, and were presented with the glitterball trophy by last year’s winners.

Watch this space for the final total raised, our full photo album and event video!

Dr Kershaw’s Strictly 2026 highlights

Special Thanks to…

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make Dr Kershaw’s Strictly 2026 such a special and successful evening!

Special thanks to our Headline Sponsor Landlord Furniture Co, our Drinks Sponsor Grains Bar Hotel, and our Gold Sponsors Diodes Incorporated and Monarch Metals for their generous support.

Thank you also to our fantastic host Ian Taylor, our judges Frank Rothwell, Irene Estry and Joanne Hadley, our professional dancers Sarah and Phil Matthews, last year’s winners Jack Warburton and Katie Gough, Lisa Hagan for sharing her moving story, and all of our wonderful dance schools including Jayne Barnes Dance, Tighe Elite Dance, Sarah Matthews Dance and The Amy Mackie School of Dance & Drama whose young dancers performed also.

We are also incredibly grateful to the staff at Vermilion, MSL Group Ltd, C&C Catering, Best Food Logistics, Bakersson Events, Elite Framing, William Santus & Co Ltd, Billingtons, Oldham Athletic AFC, Manchester United FC and Manchester City FC, along with everyone who generously donated prizes for our auction and raffle.

Finally, thank you to our dedicated contestants, amazing volunteers, and our wonderful audience members. Your support helps us continue to provide vital care to our patients and their families.

Thank you for making a difference!