Glitz, glamour and dazzling dance routines lit up Torquay’s Princess Theatre on Saturday 17 May as twelve contestants from the local business community took to the stage for Rowcroft Hospice’s spectacular fundraising event, Strictly Rowcroft 2025. The show was a huge success, raising over £176,000 to help support Rowcroft’s expert end-of-life care for local people facing life-limiting illnesses across South Devon.
The 12 local contestants bravely stepped out of their comfort zones and onto the stage after completing an intensive training programme with the support of Danceworks Devon. Cheered on by a packed-out crowd, they wowed the audience with a series of Latin and Ballroom routines.
Taking home the coveted Strictly Rowcroft Champion title with over 12,000 audience votes was Barry Young, the Brixham Trawler Agents’ Managing Director. Showcasing two impressive routines, the slow foxtrot and the rumba, he performed alongside experienced dance partner Alexandra Jay.
The judging panel included Strictly Come Dancing’s Flavia Cacace, Strictly choreographer Jenny Thomas and Stairway to the Stars producer Chris Chambers, who were full of praise for the quality and energy of each performance.
The evening was compered by Steve Reynolds, Chair of Torbay Business Forum and Debbi Shotton, Rowcroft’s Community Fundraising Officer.
A special fundraising award was also presented to Robbie Savage, co-founder of the online competition platform Rev Comps who raised a whopping £88,000 for the hospice (£77,850 was raised through his fundraising which included an Orlando Disney competition, and the remainder was raised through audience votes). Robbie’s commitment and community spirit helped exceed his fundraising goal of £20,000 and made a significant difference to the overall fundraising total for Strictly Rowcroft.
Rowcroft’s Community Engagement Manager Alexia Croft said: “The show has been absolutely magical. We’re so grateful to everyone who made this event such a success, including our incredible dancers, the team at Danceworks Devon, our judges, our sponsors Kitson Boyce, and of course, the audience. Together, we’ve not only created a fab-u-lous night of glitz and glamour, but we’ve also made a real difference in the lives of those who need our care. Every penny raised will help us provide specialist care, comfort and support to local families when they need it most.”
“I am absolutely thrilled by the tremendous success of Strictly Rowcroft,” added Rowcroft’s Chair of Trustees Sally Scott-Bryant. “It is clear that the Rowcroft team put in a phenomenal effort to make this event such a wild success. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved for their hard work, determination and dedication. The atmosphere in the audience was truly electric, showcasing our community’s united support for Rowcroft – it was awe-inspiring. I am immensely proud of our brave contestants, their partners, Danceworks Devon and our sponsors and other supporters, and I am truly amazed by the amount raised on the night.”
To find out more about how you can support Rowcroft, visit https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/
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