DURING their 40th anniversary celebrations St. Rocco’s Hospice raised £75,000 at their 11th Strictly St. Rocco’s event at Haydock Park Racecourse.
This year, the ballroom turned Ruby Red to mark 40 years of hospice care at St. Rocco’s, making it a night to remember.
In the run-up to the event, eight amateur dancers were paired with a professional dancer from Cadmans Dance Centre, Sale, and took part in a series of lessons to learn their routines.
Andy Hawley, Lead of Alternative Provision at The Challenge Academy Trust, was crowned the winner and took home the coveted glitter ball trophy after receiving a perfect score from guest judges and the most public votes on the night. Andy also won top fundraiser after raising over £10,000 through various events and activities this year. Louise Webb, Group Sales Administrator at Halliwell Jones BMW, received the runner-up award.
Also dancing the night away were contestants Claire Hughes (Senior Sister/ Manager at Warrington & Halton Hospitals), Gary Cunningham (CEO at One Community Trust), John Henley (Plasterer), Micah Ward (Service Delivery Supervisor at Warrington’s Own Buses), Andrew Ward (Owner of Jacob Bespoke Furniture) and Craig O’Neill (Owner, The Dubliner Warrington).
Winner Andy Hawley
Runner-up Louise Webb
Charlotte, Senior Events Manager, St. Rocco’s Hospice,said, “As we mark St. Rocco’s 40th anniversary, Strictly St. Rocco’s feels more special than ever. Every year our dancers put their hearts into the challenge, and it’s inspiring to watch their confidence grow throughout the process. The support we’ve received this year will directly enhance the care we provide for patients and their loved ones, ensuring those living with a life-limiting illness in Warrington continue to receive the compassion and comfort they deserve. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has played a part in making this event such a wonderful celebration.”
The event was live streamed through YouTube with supporters cheering on the dancers from living rooms across Warrington. There was also the option to text to vote this year which was a huge success.
St. Rocco’s would like to thank everyone involved in helping to make the event a success including event sponsor B-engineering; drinks sponsor Greenall’s; Cadmans Dance Centre for training and supporting the amateur dancers and VIP table sponsors Halliwell Jones BMW, Jacob Bespoke Furniture, Palmyra Cocktail Bar, DAL Electrical and Urban Building Projects. Thanks also to guest judges Charlotte Smith, Victoria Millward, Russ Scanlon and Ralph Casson, to hosts Ian Lawson and Danielle Croft, Barbara and Karen for sharing their story, Saxophonist Tina Wells for her performance and our DJ, Adrian Cunliffe.
Also supporting the event were Superstars Charity Auctions, Armadillo Gear with professional make up mirrors, Layla Thorpe Makeup, Makeup By Ellie and KHindley Hair for the dancers’ makeovers and to Sun Centre World for the dancer’s spray tans. Thank you to Mike and the team at MJD Events for AV, videographer David from DMC Media, and Living Colour and Huddle Hospitality for table centres and to our volunteers including the team from RBS Bank and photographers Brian Touhey and Moore Camera Club. Without all your support, we could not run an event like this. We would also like to thank everyone that donated prizes to the raffle and, of course, to our eight contestants who have worked incredibly hard and show exceptional support and commitment to St. Rocco’s.
Over the last eleven years, Strictly St. Rocco’s has raised over £750,000 towards patient care at the hospice. This money has ensured that end of life care and services could be delivered to people with a terminal diagnosis across Warrington. This specialist care would not be possible without the generosity of the Warrington community and the dedication of those that support us.
If you would like to get involved in Strictly St. Rocco’s 2026, please contact The Fundraising Team at St. Rocco’s Hospice on 01925 57578 or email events@stroccos.org.uk.
You can find out more about St. Rocco’s and the services available here: St Roccos Hospice | End of Life Care
1 Comment
Well done John Henley, you were awesome