SUPPORTERS of Willowbrook have had a Fab-u-lous time at the hospice's annual Strictly Glitter Ball.

The event saw more than 200 guests enjoy a three course meal at The Venue, Huyton before watching six amateur dancers take to the floor alongside professional dancers from the Silhouette Dance Club, St Helens.

St Helens Star:

All the dancers and partners

All the dancers taking part achieved high scores but it was self-employed dad-of-two Chris Smith and his professional partner Gemma Davies, who came out on top for their A-MAZ-ZING Tango to ‘A View to a Kill’.

For Chris, being crowned winner topped off an amazing day of celebrations as the event coincided with his 50th birthday.

Speaking of his achievement Chris said: “Learning to dance and taking part in the Strictly Glitter Ball is so out of my comfort zone but I’m absolutely thrilled to be crowned the winner and more than anything I’m made up to have raised so much money for such a worthy cause as Willowbrook Hospice.”

Following a guest vote, a special ‘People’s Champion’ trophy was awarded to Willowbrook’s very own Jane Knowles and her professional partner James after their spectacular Jive.

St Helens Star:

People’s vote winners Jane and James

Mum-of-two Jane, has worked for the Eccleston Park based hospice as a Health Care Assistant for over 17 years.

Jane says: “I hit the big 4-0 this year and really wanted to challenge myself whilst raising lots of money for our wonderful patients. I’ve had such fantastic support from all my colleagues and it was amazing to win the guest vote Fitting in the practice has been tough but I’m be proud of what I’ve achieved and more importantly, how much money I’ve raised for Willowbrook.”

Carl Davies, Fundraiser at Willowbrook, was 'over the moon with the response' to the event.

Carl said: "All the dancers were fantastic and on behalf of Willowbrook, I’d like to congratulate them for their commitment and dedication to learning to dance and to raising money for the hospice in such an amazing way.

"I’d also like to thank our expert panel of judges, Marie Smith and all the professional dancers from the Silhouette Dance Club as well as everyone who supported the event through sponsorship of the donation of goods or raffle prizes.

"The audience was incredibly generous and it is wonderful that the event managed to raise over £5, 000 – every penny of which will enable us continue to care and support our patients and their families across St Helens and Knowsley.”