Property finance lender MSP Capital stepped up to support Forest Holme Hospice’s Strictly Extravaganza, a dazzling ballroom dance competition that has raised over £80,000 for palliative care in Dorset.
As the reception drinks sponsor, MSP Capital played a key role in the charity event held at the Lighthouse Poole arts centre, where a sold-out audience of 350 enjoyed an evening of glamour and entertainment.
The event featured ten participants, selected from a public call for entries, who trained for months with professional dancers before taking the stage in front of an enthusiastic crowd. The competition’s success not only showcased impressive dance performances but also provided critical funding for Forest Holme Hospice’s essential care services.
A panel of judges from the dance world including Jason Edwards, the champion of a similar competition held by Forest Holme in 2023, ultimately voted Tom Redman and his professional partner Diana Coojacar as winners. Tom danced in memory of his wife Clare, who was under the care of Forest Holme.
Kirsty Perks, Forest Holme’s Corporate and Community Fundraiser, said the call for entries had prompted people of all ages and dance abilities to put themselves forward.
She said: “Since the competition launch in summer 2024, it has been so much fun to see this inclusive community initiative grow and grow, culminating in such a fantastic night.
“We are so grateful to MSP Capital for supporting Strictly Extravaganza as part of their ongoing partnership with us.
“Since our founding 30 years ago, our hospice has cared for more than 30,000 patients and their families, with voluntary donations from individuals and businesses a vital part of our funding, helping us ensure that everyone in the local community affected by a life-limiting illness or bereavement gets the care and support they need.”
Eleanor Collins, a member of MSP Capital’s Community Committee, which agreed the firm’s support, said: “Forest Holme is one of our four core charities. Its Strictly Extravaganza has generated a great deal of local interest and raised an amazing amount of money. Well done to all the dancers on the night, there were some fantastic performances!”
Forest Holme received messages of support for the initiative from several prominent dance names including Strictly Come Dancing judges Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse. Headline sponsor of the competition was care home provider Colten Care.
