Twelve couples took to the dance floor in aid of the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund at an event organised by a Hitchin woman who lost her husband to the disease.
Hitchin Come Dancing saw 200 guests turned out to watch the performances of ‘local celebrities’ paired with professional dancers at the town hall last Saturday night.
The night was the brainchild of Maggie Killingbeck, who lost her husband Steve to pancreatic cancer in 2012 and has been fundraising to help research into the disease – which has one of the lowest survival rates of any cancer.
Maggie said: “Having lost my husband very suddenly to pancreatic cancer six years ago, I’ve raised money for the charity annually – and this year I came up with the idea for Hitchin Come Dancing.
“While it was a huge undertaking, the commitment and support of everyone involved was inspiring and the generosity of local businesses and Hitchin residents has been heartwarming.
“The evening itself was all I could have wished for. The participants were incredible, the guests were wholly supportive and the behind-the-scenes team was fabulous. I have received enthusiastic requests from other Hitchin faces to be involved next year.”
Consilium Financial Planning sponsored the event, which Maggie hopes will raise more than £10,000 once all the funds have been added up.
Among the dancers was Priory School headteacher Geraint Edwards, who kicked things off with a waltz alongside his partner Jenny Durdey.
He said: “Hitchin Come Dancing pulled people together from all corners of Hitchin to raise money for a fantastic cause,
“Dancing is a real challenge, training was hard with sore feet, tender calf muscles and sleepless nights dreaming of steps and routines.
“But the evening brought glamour and sophistication to the town hall with all contestants and audience members taking part in this inaugural event.
Much like Strictly, four judges rated the dancers on technique, style, musicality and entertainment.
There was also a musical interlude from Hitchin singer Alex Francis, while West End professionals Rebecca Lisewski and Liam Marcellino danced for guests as the scores were being counted.
Zoë Folbigg, who penned bestselling novel The Note, and dancing partner Jason Wood were the winners on the night.
If you would like to donate to the cause you can do so through Zoe’s fundraising page at justgiving.com/zoe-folbigg.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here