Eight brave supporters of Stick 'n' Step are learning to dance for a Strictly Come Dancing-themed charity event.
The event, set to take place at Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa, Neston, on November 16, will see the contestants paired with professional dancers.
They will perform their chosen dance routines in front of a panel of judges, all vying for the coveted winner’s glitter ball trophy.
Among the eight contestants are three legal professionals: Sean McCann of Fletchers Solicitors, Paul Kelly of Slater Gordon, and Vikki Howden, a paralegal at Graystons.
None of the trio has any prior dance experience, yet they are determined to give it their all.
Mr McCann, who resides in Liverpool, will be performing a cha cha cha.
Mr McCann said: "I first learned about the invaluable work Stick ‘n’ Step does through a client and their family.
"I find the way the families who work with Stick ‘n’ Step support each other truly inspirational.
"I’m totally out of my comfort zone and just hope I won’t let my six-year-old daughter down – she’s a big fan of Strictly."
Mr Kelly, from Manchester, is set to dance a samba.
He said: "Through work, I have witnessed first-hand the difficulties families face when a family member has cerebral palsy.
"I have seen how Stick 'n' Step have worked with these families to improve their quality of life and I want to support them to continue that work.
"I have to dance in Cuban heels and I am absolutely terrified."
Vikki Howden, who is from Ellesmere Port, will be performing a waltz to music from The Lion King.
Having loved dancing as a child, she eagerly jumped at the chance to participate in this year's event after attending last year’s Stick ‘n’ Step Strictly event.
The contestants are not the only ones excited about the event.
Amanda Griffiths, from Wirral, who fundraised for Stick ‘n’ Step through a skydive earlier this year, will be dancing a jive.
Having not danced since she was 14, she says her jive rehearsals with her professional dance partner are currently the highlight of her week.
Classroom assistant Shannon Sample, who has been part of Stick ‘n’ Step for a decade, will be dancing a paso doble.
Ms Sample said: "I’ve learned so much from the amazing children who attend Stick ‘n’ Step.
"They all face their own challenges every day but they just find their way to achieve what they need to do, they are a true inspiration."
The night will not just be about dance; attendees will also enjoy a VIP drinks reception, a three-course meal, a showcase dance by the professionals, and a group dance by all participants.
An auction and raffle will add to the fundraising efforts.
Tickets for the event are priced at £70 per person or £700 for a table of 10.
Stick ‘n’ Step provides free weekly conductive education sessions to children and young people with cerebral palsy up to the age of 25, helping them gain skills to live more independent lives.
The charity relies on supporters and volunteers to raise the £750,000 needed to deliver its services to more than 100 families each year at its Wallasey and Runcorn centres.
For more information, visit sticknstep.org.
To donate you can visit their Just Giving pages.
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