Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care is issuing a final call for applications to its new Strictly Come Hospice fundraising challenge.

The dance challenge will see 30 local people learn to dance via 10 weeks of professional dance tuition.

Each pair will learn two routines that they will perform at a grand finale performance in January 2025.

On the night, one pair of dancers will walk away with the coveted Strictly Come Hospice trophy!

Lisa Jackson has already applied for a place. Here she explains why she’s keen to take part in the new fundraising event: "I know Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care very well as I have worked here for the past six years.

"I am currently assistant director for outpatients, rehabilitation and supportive care departments and I worked as a palliative care nurse before joining Rennie Grove Peace.

"I have a good understanding of what the charity does and how heavily we rely on fundraising events like this to fund the care we offer to local people.

"When I heard about Strictly Come Hospice I knew I wanted to apply. I absolutely love to dance!

"In my teens and early 20s I was a dancer in amateur dramatic and touring productions of shows like West Side Story, Chess, Sweet Charity and Jesus Christ Superstar.

"I would have liked to pursue dance as a career but it wasn’t seen as a sensible option so I stuck with nursing instead as this was also a passion of mine.

"Although I love the freedom of dancing, I haven’t danced for about 25 years. Life, work and family have all kept me busy in the meantime.

"Although I’ve danced before I’ve never done Latin or ballroom dancing so I’d be really keen to learn a totally new type of dance."

Emma Stewart, events manager at Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care, says: "Our Strictly Come Hospice event has been very popular since we first launched the search for contestants.

"We’re excited to be bringing this new event to the area and giving local people the chance to have fun and learn new skills while raising vital funds for Rennie Grove Peace.

"Strictly Come Hospice is open to everybody. You don’t need any experience to take part. Maybe, like Lisa, you’ve danced in the past or maybe you’ve never danced a step in your life.

"If you’re keen to learn something new and have lots of fun along the way, be sure to apply today before applications close on 30 August."

Visit renniegrovepeace.org/strictly to find out more and apply today.