Father Takes Part In Dr Kershaw's Strictly To Raise Money

When a church minister took part in ballroom and Latin dancing, little did he know he would end up strutting his dance moves for Dr Kershaw’s Strictly Come Dancing Fundraising Event.

Stephen Smith, who lives in Urmston, spent last couple of years learning to dance and it was when his dance teacher Angela Messina, spotted a post online, looking for male dancers for the Royton Hospice’s special cause that he jumped at the chance. 

The 46-year-old recalled: “I thought I should try this because the dance classes were bringing me a lot of joy, and I wasn’t bad at it either. 

“My two daughters said, ‘dad you should go for it’, so I applied to take part, and I was really surprised when I was selected.” 

Mr Smith, who is a Minister at the Greenfield Baptist and Congregational Church in Urmston, said he spent eight weeks rehearsing for the individual dances with his dance partner, Alison Newman, who is from Oldham, at the hospice.  

Money was raised through raffles, auctions, ticket sales and the hospice’s Strictly finals. 

Mr Smith managed to raise over £1,000 for Dr Kershaw's. The show raised over £60,000 for the charity. 

He said: “I still can’t believe how much money I have helped to raise. I am hoping to take part in the competition again next year.” 

Alice Entwistle, Fundraising Events Lead at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, said they were grateful to Stephen and all the other dancers who gave up their free time to take part in the event. 

She added: “Stephen definitely stepped up his ‘dad dancing’ to perform amazingly on the night. He absolutely got the crowd going with his Queen-themed performance. 

“It’s fantastic that Stephen is raising awareness of the positive impact that dancing can have on mental health. While it is a competition, Dr Kershaw’s Strictly is a great chance to make friends, work together to fundraise, and learn new skills. 

“All of the dancers were incredible on the night, and the money they have raised will make such a difference to patient care.  Thank you so much to everyone who took part or donated. 

 “We’re now accepting applications for our 2026 competition, so if you think you have what it takes, we’d love to hear from you!” 

Anyone wishing to donate to Dr Kershaw's Hospice can do so by clicking on www.justgiving.com/campaign/drkhstrictly25 for the event or  www.justgiving.com/page/stephen-smith-1730750411507.