As Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) excitedly counts down to an evening of glitz, glamour and goodwill, the charity has revealed the five determined contestants taking to the dancefloor for Strictly Air Ambulance 2024 sponsored by local solicitor’s firm Birkett Long and emergency services supplier Rig Equipment.
The charity’s CEO, Jane Gurney, said: “We’re so pleased that these five amazing people from across our local community have chosen to support Essex & Herts Air Ambulance in this fun but challenging way.
“Everyone who’s watched Strictly on TV will know how hard the contestants rehearse and what a brilliant show they put on with their professional dance partners… and it’s no different for our contestants and their professional partners. This will be our twelfth Strictly Air Ambulance extravaganza. It’s always a dazzling and unforgettable evening, one of the jewels in our fundraising event crown.
“We couldn’t put on such an incredible night of dance, entertainment and fundraising without the amazing contestants and we’re hugely grateful to Steve, Kerrie, Richard, Sarah and Laura for volunteering to dance in front of our Strictly Air Ambulance audience, and judges, this March.”
Steve Drew from Rochford, whose eldest son was saved by Essex & Herts Air Ambulance in 2017, works as a logistics manager and is a former “blood biker”, transporting vital NHS Blood and Transfusion Service supplies to the hospitals where they’re urgently needed.
Steve said: “I owe Essex & Herts Air Ambulance absolutely everything. I thought this dancing would really challenge me as I’ve got two left feet, zero rhythm and arthritis in my knees—what could go wrong? I didn’t think I’d know anyone at the event so embarrassing myself wasn’t an issue. But suddenly my friends, workmates and family started booking tickets!”
Kerrie Barker from Colchester works for mental health charity Mid and North Essex Mind. Kerrie said: “I won my place in the auction last year. It was such a fantastic night, so I knew I had to be a part of it this year! The air ambulance literally saves lives and I want that service to be available and accessible to anyone needing assistance.”
Richard Willis from Billericay is the director of a local marketing company whose late motorcyclist father supported EHAAT. Richard said: “I’m thoroughly enjoying the experience, but it’s one of the hardest challenges I’ve ever faced. Remembering all the moves is hard enough, before adding the theatrical element!”
Laura Bannister from South Woodham Ferrers is a fitness instructor whose classes are popular online. Laura said: “It’s such an exciting opportunity. Who doesn’t want to learn to dance with a professional? I have no dance experience, but I do love a challenge and I can’t wait to be part of such an amazing event, for an incredible cause.”
Sarah Ridge has lived in Leigh-on-Sea for most of her life. She’s the founder of the Sisterhood Networking Group offering businesswomen a relaxed chance to meet each other, and used to work on Essex FM as Saz the “travel girl”. Sarah said: “I’m a huge Strictly Come Dancing fan so when the opportunity came along to appear in this year’s show, I jumped at the chance!! I’m an avid supporter of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance since meeting the crew in my former role.”
All five are working with professional dancers to polish their ballroom and Latin routines for the glitzy event, which gets some extra sparkle from hosts Lisa Snowdon, the TV and radio presenter is Essex & Herts Air Ambulance’s Celebrity Ambassador, and ITV presenter David Whiteley.
Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing will perform for the audience at the event, which takes place at the Brentwood Centre on Saturday 9 March.
Nadiya and Kai will also sit on the judging panel joining EHAAT’s CEO Jane Gurney and pro Latin dancer Ben Milan Vega. Phil Meacham of Chelmsford Dance Centre presides over the event as head judge for the night.
The contestants are each hoping to raise as much as they can through donations to their individual Just Giving pages. This, along with funds raised on the night, will help Essex & Herts Air Ambulance to deliver pre-hospital critical care to those that live and work in Essex, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.
Tickets for the main event cost between £25.00 and £27.50 and for an extra £10 you can rub shoulders with the stars of the show, enjoy some drinks and dance the night away at the Strictly after-show party.
Tickets are selling fast, go to www.ehaat.org/strictly to get yours and to find links to the contestants’ fundraising pages.
