Volunteers are being put through their paces by professional dancers to learn to dance in the style of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing for Stick ‘n’ Step’s fundraising ball this month.
The black-tie celebration will be held at Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa, Neston, on November 16.
Seventeen-year-old Harry, from Chester, is a sixth form student at Abbey Gate College.
He is learning the quickstep, which he will be dancing with professional partner Shannon to Disney favourite 'I wanna be like you' from The Jungle Book.
Harry volunteered to take part in the competition as Abbey Gate College has selected Stick ‘n’ Step as one of the three charities it is dedicating its fundraising to this year.
Harry said: "I am excited to get started with this unique opportunity presented to me and will grasp it with both hands to help others.
"My family loves the Strictly show on TV so I look forward to ‘strutting my stuff’.
"I can’t believe the progress I’ve made already."
Nicole Preston, who lives in Warrington, is taking part in the dance competition because her niece Iris, aged two, has cerebral palsy and visits the charity regularly for conductive education sessions at its Runcorn centre.
Nicole will be dancing a cha cha cha to Cheerleader.
Nicole said: "Iris is a ray of sunshine, she fights daily and continuously pushes herself, all whilst keeping a huge smile on her face; I truly believe Iris’ development has come along leaps and bounds because of charities like Stick ‘n’ Step – it’s a truly remarkable place and the work they do is incredible.
"I wanted to give something back to the charity as a way of showing gratitude for their support."
Another competitor with a personal connection to Stick ‘n’ Step is Markos Kokkinos.
Markos’ little cousin Bella, aged three, has cerebral palsy and attends conductive education classes at the charity’s centre in Runcorn.
Markos has chosen to dance a cha cha cha to 'Come Alive' from the film The Greatest Showman.
Markos said: "I’m fundraising for Stick ‘n’ Step as this charity does such amazing work for our local community.
"The staff are incredible; they have been there for Bella from day one and do so much to support her."
Along with the dance competition, on the night of the ball, guests will enjoy a VIP drinks reception, a three-course meal, and they will be treated to a showcase dance by the professionals and a group dance by everyone taking part.
There will be an auction and raffle too, to boost fundraising further.
Tickets cost £70 per person or £700 for a table of 10.
If you are unable to attend, but would still like to support the charity, you can donate an auction or raffle prize.
Please call Stick ‘n’ Step’s corporate fundraiser, Jo Fowler, on 07843 961272 or email her at joanne@sticknstep.org.
Stick ‘n’ Step provides free weekly conductive education sessions to children and young people with cerebral palsy up to the age of 25, allowing them to gain the skills they need to live more independent lives.
The charity relies on supporters and volunteers to help raise the £750,000 required to deliver its services to more than 100 families each year at its Wallasey and Runcorn centres.
Find out more about the charity by visiting their website.
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