Hello there,

Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

For those of you who don’t know, I am an adoption social worker and have worked with children who have needed the support of Zoe’s Place. It is difficult to describe what an important service the hospice provides to children with life-limiting, life-threatening or complex conditions and their loved ones. It is a real life line, in many different ways.

I signed up to ‘Strictly Christmas’ back in July and was delighted to have been selected to take part. I shared the news with my lovely Dad and he too was extremely excited for the fun and fundraising that lay ahead.

My Dad was also involved with various charities but had been a particularly keen supporter of the hospice. It held a very special place in his heart, especially when they cared for the daughter of one of his dear friends.

Devastatingly, my Dad very suddenly and unexpectedly passed away at the beginning of October which has left me, my family and countless others totally heartbroken and at a complete loss. He was a very special man indeed.

Dad was Professor of Oncology at UHCW, but he was better known as 'Big Bob'. He had the highest accolade of professional achievements and the very best personal attributes of any person I have ever met. He was also the happiest, most modest, gracious and unassuming person you could ever meet.

He worked tirelessly and yet never got tired, he always had the best interests of everybody at the forefront of all that he was and he went above and beyond for everybody. His dedication to all aspects of his life was simply astonishing.

With rehearsals starting so soon after Dad passing, I wasn't sure if I felt able to continue with Strictly Christmas event but the support and encouragement from family and friends has been incredible and strangely comforting. He had clearly told a lot of people all about it!!

So I am doing what Dad would have done.....putting one foot in front of the other and taking it one step at a time and giving it my best shot.

Over the next 2 months I will have rehearsals twice a week to learn two dances with a partner I haven’t met yet and then in December we will take part in 3 shows and a competition to raise as much money as possible for the charity. Dad also loved a good competition!!

It is a privilege to be able to help children and families who so greatly need the care and kindness that the hospice provides in memory of my wonderful Dad.

Every donation is so gratefully received.

THANK YOU

Ali G

xxxx

P.S Dad I will be dancing for you, hoping to score you at least a 6 😉✨💃🏼✨🏏✨🤩