STRICTLY St Rocco’s returns again for another year of dancing fun.
The fundraiser, that in previous years has raised hundreds of thousands for the much-loved charity, will see another set of brave individuals take the stage in December.
This year’s event will take place at Nunsmere Hall in Northwich, with eight stars of the show training weekly to win the glitter ball.
All contenders have a unique link to the Warrington charity and a touching story of how it has helped them.
One recognisable face that you will see on the dance floor on December 10 will be Warrington Borough Council’s very own Steve Park.
Mr Park spoke to the Warrington Guardian about his upcoming performance and how he has combatted nerves and embarrassment to now enjoy the entire process.
The director of growth has been training for six weeks with his professional dance partner learning a routine which he is keeping a secret until the big day – even from his wife and kids.
“I have no experience at all,” Mr Park admitted. “I am a self-confessed dad dancer.
“I have successfully embarrassed my kids while dancing many times. You are failing as a father if you don’t.”
A father-of-two, Mr Park said the event is an ‘opportunity to do something different’ and a way to ‘challenge’ himself while also raising vital funds for St Rocco’s.
Addressing the hurdles involved in learning the dance, he said: “You have to have a level of confidence or stupidity to do it in the first place.
“We have put the work in, but you have to remember we are doing it for a good cause, and everyone is there to support you.”
Mr Park, who has been one of the faces behind the transformation of the town’s new bus depot, said how the dancing event has given him a chance to ‘switch off’ from his hectic working life too.
“I am in meetings; my phone is going off all day every day. But when I go into those training sessions my phone is switched off and I am in a different world.”
Focusing on the fundraising aspect, Mr Park added: “I would be grateful if anyone would be able to make a contribution which will go towards the vital work St Rocco’s do.”
The gala evening will be a black-tie event and will include a drinks reception and a two-course meal before the dancers will each be welcomed to the floor at 9pm.
Other participants who will dazzle on the dancefloor will include: Laura Appleton, trainee manager at Chisholm Hunter Diamond Merchants, Chris Forster, a branch manager at Major Recruitment, Emily Blight, building surveyor at Lc Building Consultants, Retired CEO Christine Brett Rowles, Lee Houghton a team leader at Cadent Gas, Duncan Thorpe, owner of Prestige Connections and Steph Houghton, social media director at real5 Digital.
Tickets are still available for the event and St Rocco’s will be live streaming each performance on their website.
To donate to the event follow the link: justgiving.com/campaign/strictlystroccos23
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