'Strictly Come Llanthony' event raises £14k for charity

A retirement home in Gloucester has raised more than £14,000 for charity by hosting it's own Strictly Come Dancing-style event.

Staff from the McCarthy Stone Retirement Living Plus development at Llanthony Place on St Ann Way put on their dancing shoes to raise money for the McCarthy Stone Foundation.

The money raised will go towards reducing isolation and loneliness among older people.

"The happiness and welfare of older people is at the heart of everything we do," said Fiona Docherty, managing director at the McCarthy Stone Foundation.

"Therefore, we are beyond delighted, in partnership with Llanthony Secunda Priory, DanceStars Gloucester, and lead sponsors Badminton Developments, to have raised more than £14,000 for the McCarthy Stone Foundation," continued Ms Docherty.

The foundation says it supports grassroots and volunteer-led charitable causes that bring connection, engagement, and purpose to older people.

The 'Strictly Come Llanthony' event, which follow's BBC's Strictly Come Dancing's recent return to screens for its 22nd series, saw seven members of staff - from various McCarthy Stone developments - partner with a professional dancer to complete eight weeks of intensive training before battling it out on the dancefloor for the winner's trophy.

Each participant signed up to the 'Beginner to Winner Challenge' with no previous professional dancing experience.

The idea came from Mathew Daniels, estate manager at Llanthony place, who co-hosted the night and organised sponsorship from local businesses, including Symphony Hearing, MPK Vehicle Repair and Alouna Recruitment Group.

Earning first place in both the group and solo stages was Marie Bird, administrator at Llanthony Place, and her partner James Hall.

Lee Mainza, Llanthony Place duty manager, and Lydia Hall took second place with their salsa, closely followed by Emily Cook, Nicole Mason and Megan Thompkins who were joint third.

Friends and family showed up to show their support and staff managed to surpass their original fundraising target of £2,000, with more than £5,750 raised per week prior to the event.

McCarthy Stone then matched the sum, taking the total to £14,300.