Willow Wood Hospice nurse Cheryl Lee is stepping up to take part in next year's Strictly Dance contest.

Cheryl is one of the newest staff nurses at Willow Wood, having joined earlier this year.

Cheryl’s own mum was cared for at the hospice and she says she knew then that her future lay with Willow Wood.

“When I saw they were recruiting I applied immediately and am just so glad that I can now care for others as my mum was cared for,” explained Cheryl.

To help fundraise for the hospice, she has signed up as one of the dancers in next March’s Strictly Dance! 

“I’m so excited and nervous at the same time, but it is another way to support Willow Wood, by raising funds so that our care can continue,” says Cheryl.

Willow Wood is joining with Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in Oldham to make sure that the dance contest will be a fantastic night out.

Ten couples will be dancing, with Edwina Currie one of the judges.

“That will be a bit scary,” says Cheryl.

“But please, if you can, come along and support the Willow Wood dancers. 

“It will be a totally new experience for me, I’ve never danced before and to get up in front of a crowd and perform will be right out of my comfort zone!

“But I’m doing it to raise funds to help us care, and that’s the important thing.” 

Tickets are now on sale at www.willowwood.info/strictly, and for just £35 you’ll have a fantastic night out, with a delicious meal, drinks reception, entertainment and of course the dancing contest. 

Cheryl said: “I’d appreciate everyone’s cheers and applause, it’ll help me get over my butterflies and perform, it’ll help me feel I’m repaying Willow Wood for their care of my lovely mum, and it will help care for our patients in the future.”

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