Dancers step to it in Strictly Best Foot Forward for Bury Hospice

John Lisle went to his doctor with a knee injury – and a persistent cough which had not cleared following a dose of anti-biotics. A repeat prescription was given and when Mr Lisle suffered an allergic reaction to the drugs, doctors discovered the lung cancer.

He underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy and was visited by the Hospice at Home team as his condition deteriorated. Shortly before his admission to the hospice, his family bumped into an off-duty Hospice at Home nurse in a nearby shop – and she came straight to the house to offer help and support.

He spent just 18 hours in the hospice before his death in October, 2015, just days before his 65th birthday.

Mrs Lisle said: “That was above and beyond the call of duty. John’s condition deteriorated rapidly but it was reassuring that she was there.

“John only had 18 hours in the hospice but after months of being carers, going to appointments, having medical equipment and staff in and out of the front door for so many months, for those 18 hours, we were a family again.

“The hospice gave us that time together which was so precious. We were there in his final moments as a wife, mother, daughter, not as carers.

“They are walking angels – we could not have asked for more.”

After Mr Lisle’s death, Mrs Lisle wanted to do all she could to help the hospice.

She had been a keen dancer when she was younger and, still struggling to come to terms with his death, felt it was something she could pursue as it was not something they had done together.

Mrs Lisle went to A Touch of Class in Little Lever and discovered she and dance teacher Teresa Croasdale had both learned to dance at Taskers in Bury when they were younger. They became friends and with the help of three dance instructors from other schools, Teresa agreed to provide training for the brave couples.

Now in its third year, it has raised more than £100,000 for the hospice.

Mrs Lisle said: “As a family, we will always remember what they did for John and for us. I am on a mission to do all I can to raise money for the hospice and awareness.”

The event culminates with a grand final at the Longfield Suite in Prestwich on December 7.

Mrs Lisle said: “It is a unique event. The contestants become close friends and there is a lovely rapport with everyone who takes part. It is a lot of fun on the night and it is a room full of love with everyone supporting each other.”

Mrs Lisle is urging people to give generously to the hospice’s biggest fundraising event of the year.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/campaign/burystrictly2019 Bury Hospice – Strictly contestants With three weeks to go until the grand final of Bury Hospice Strictly Best Foot Forward, the 18 couples have been practising their cha cha, salsa, rock ‘n’ roll and Argentine Tango. This is whey they are going out of their comfort zone for a good cause.

Tony Maclean and Shirley Barton Tony is dancing in memory of his father, who was cared for in a hospice. “I have always wanted to learn to dance properly and this has given me the opportunity to achieve my wish while raising funds for a local worthy and necessary cause.”

Shirley said: “I have had family members and friends cared for in the hospice. I have always wanted to learn to dance and this is a great opportunity.”

Colin Patterson and Sharon Boundy Colin said: “Ever since my partner became a staff nurse at the hospice, I have become acutely aware of the support the hospice gives. I am so proud of Sharon and couldn’t say no to participating to help such a wonderful cause.”

Sharon said: “As a staff nurse, I am privileged to provide care to patients with life-limiting illnesses and support families at their most difficult time. I want to help raise money to ensure this much-needed facility can serve the community for many years to come.”

Debbie and Darren Neild “We lost loved ones who didn’t require the services of the hospice, but we recognise the fantastic work it does. Last year, two of our friends took part in this competition, we love Strictly Come Dancing, and we want to raise lots of money and hopefully learn a few moves and have fun!”

Andrew Thomas and Glenys Nolan Andrew Thomas’s wife, Jeanette, died of a brain tumour in March this year. They had been together 46 years.

Andrew said: “Jeanette often tried to get me to learn to dance, but I regret I always found an excuse not to. I would love to think she is looking down on me and would be very proud. Bury Hospice supported me and Jeanette through the very darkest of times.”

Glenys’s husband, Danny, spent his final days in the hospice. She said: “The care he received was amazing. The hospice also looked after the needs of myself, my children and grandchildren. Nothing was too much trouble. This enabled me to spend time with my husband as his wife, not his carer or nurse.”

Marius Casaru and Diane Fenton Marius said: “I am doing strictly in memory of my still-born baby Harley Mario Carasu. He was born sleeping on August 1, 2013, and in memory of Debbie’s mum, Karen.”

Diane said: “I have worked for the hospice for 22 years. I have always wanted to dance but have two left feet! I see first hand how we all work together to make a wonderful, caring and compassionate team.”

Julian Munteanu and Rhona Kallee Julian said: “Burh Hospice is a charity I hold very close to my heart after recently having to experience first hand the dedication, hard work, care and support the staff put into the hospice. I didn’t realise how much it costs to run and how much it relies on donations.”

Rhona said: “I am the in-patients team leader at the hospice. I haven’t danced before but hopefully I can raise money for this worthy cause.”

John Evans and Sheila McAnulty John lost his partner two years ago. They were keen dancers. He said: “I am always happy to support the hospice in any way I can. The event is fabulous, the room is full of love for the people dancing and for the wonderful hospice.”

Retired theatre studies teacher Sheila said: “This is a huge challenge for me but I am determined to give it my best shot in memory of my dear husband, Ian, who died in Bury Hospice nearly 20 years ago.”

Howard Battersby and Alison Nuttall Howard answered the hospice’s call for male dancers. He said: “It gives me a chance to learn to dance and it’s for a great cause. Every bit of help is needed.”

Wedding planner/venue dresser Alison will be decorating the room for the grand final. She said: “My challenge is in memory of my loving dad, John Hickey. He was a fabulous dancer and we loved dancing together.”

Sam Hopley and Karen Beswick Sam is just 17 and is dancing in memory of his great aunt, Kath. He said: “She had always loved dancing as I do, and I know she’s looking down as we make her proud.”

Karen said: “I am dancing with my heart and soul for my lovely mum and dad. I lost both parents to cancer. They had hearts of gold. I am also dancing for our friend George, who list his life to cancer at 47.”

Luis McBrier and Katy Greer Luis said: “I don’t think there’s a single person in Bury who hasn’t been touched by the amazing work the hospice does. It has cared for friends of the family and made their last days more peaceful and comfortable.”

Katy said: “I am taking on the challenge to show my appreciation to all the staff for all the care and support they have given to my family and myself.”

Andrew Hagan and Rachel Holehouse Andrew, whose mother-in-law, Mari, died at the hospice, said: “It is a charity I have supported over the years, having had first-hand experience of the hospice and its work.”

Rachel signed up for the original Strictly event two years ago, but had to withdraw after the death of her mum. She said: “This year I feel I can take on the challenge and make my mum proud.”

Andrew Wildman and Amy Bevan Andrew answered Amy’s plea for help after her original dance partner was unable to take part.

He said: “I would like to thank all the dance teachers for their assistance and all the hospice staff who work so hard.”

Amy said: “I was shocked to hear how little funding the government gives to the hospice, considering how important it is. Five years ago, my dad died in a hospice of motor neurone disease. There are no words for how grateful I am to them.”

Don Kelly and Sharon Osbourn Hospice warehouse volunteer Don got back on to the ballroom floor to help the cause. He said: “The hospice is very well known and people have been willing to support me for the excellent work that is done there.”

Sharon is dancing in memory of her dad, Keith, who died of cancer in 2007.

She said: “Although the hospice did not provide end-of-life care, they were able to provide dad with hypnotherapy and counselling to help him come to terms with his illness.”

Chris and Jillian Polkinghorne-Burrows The couple’s fathers were childhood friends and the families were close. They lost five family members between 2016-7, including their dads, who both died in the hospice.

They said: “We will never be able to fully express our gratitude to everyone at the hospice for the wonderful care they gave our dads and the support they provided to our families, not just at the end of their lives, but with ongoing support and counselling to one of our children.”

Gareth Monger and Pam Maxon Gareth loves a challenge and is competing in Strictly with a broken ankle! He said: “having seen first-hand close loved ones go through some serious illnesses brings a stark reality to life. We all have the opportunity to pay it forward and the smallest gift from one person may provide the largest reward to another.”

Pam said: “My good friend works at the hospice and if I can do my bit by taking part in this amazing fundraiser, I’ll put on my dancing shoes and pray to stay on my feet!”

Trevor and Evelyn Holt The Mayor and Mayoress of Bury have been supporters of the hospice for many years and it is their main charity in office this year.

They said: “We are really looking forward to the final which will be a great night that will not only raise funds for the hospice but be an enjoyable occasion for contestants and spectators.”

Melanie Duffin and Dominique Le Couze Melanie’s step-father was cared for by the hospice with the rare life-limiting condition Progressive supranuclear palsy.

Melanie said: “My mum gave him 24-hour care she needed a rest to sleep, shop, clean the house and find time for respite. Bury Hospice was the only place that gave my mum this time. We thank all the wonderful staff for their commitment, care and compassion they show in these times of need.”

Andrew Cowburn and Sophina Ginty Andrew said: “Bury hospice is a vital service that every family in Bury should be able to access if, and when they need to. I am proud to be involved.”

The hospice enabled Sophia’s grandad to be cared for at home after being diagnosed with grade three glioblastoma brain tumour.

She said: “We all took on the roll as carers and he was to stay at home until the end, which was his final wish. This was my ideal opportunity to give something back.”