Anne-Marie Sanderson (centre) runs a local dance class in Enfield

A ‘Strictly’ style dance is being held in aid of The Nightingale Cancer Centre, writes Anne-Marie Sanderson

I have known the staff and volunteers at The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre in Enfield for over ten years, first through my job and then when they supported me after my friend Nick passed away having battled with cancer.

I met Nick when he taught me ballroom and Latin dancing at his school in Potters Bar. Over the years we became good friends and when he became ill and was in hospital, I would help out teaching pupils at his school. It was only ever meant to be a temporary arrangement.

Three of us have kept Nick’s dance school running in his memory, but I now also run my own dance fitness classes in Enfield. Being able to pass on the skills he taught me and, more importantly, pass on his sense of fun and love of dance, is an honour. I hope he’d be proud.

I will be running two ‘Strictly’ style dance fitness classes at St Michael’s Church of England School in Brigadier Hill on Saturday 9th November, from 11.30am-2pm, to raise money for The Nightingale. The classes are based on ballroom and Latin dances so participants will be able to experience some of the steps they see on Strictly Come Dancing without the need for a partner. Tickets are £10 to take part in one of the sessions but there is free entry to the canteen where there will be stalls and refreshments.

The emphasis will be on having fun. People can come in fancy dress if they would like (although I appreciate it’s not everyone’s cup of tea!) and I am so excited about the upbeat playlist that I have put together for the day, incorporating the cha cha cha, the Charleston and waltz to name but a few.

It is such a pleasure to be able to give something back to The Nightingale. They rely entirely on the backing of the community to continue providing free services for those affected by cancer and if I can raise even a few hundred pounds for them, I will be happy.

For more information about Dancing Like Strictly on Saturday 9^th November:
Call 020 8366 4333
Visit nightingalesupport.org.uk/product/dancing-like-strictly

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.