Best foot forward as MSP Capital backs Forest Holme’s Strictly Extravaganza

By Bridging Loan Directory 30th January 2025

A property finance lender stepped up to support the culmination of a Strictly-style ballroom dance competition that has raised more than £80,000 for a Dorset-based palliative care charity.

Forest Holme Hospice welcomed MSP Capital as reception drinks sponsor for its glittering Strictly Extravaganza at the Lighthouse Poole arts centre.

Attracting a sold-out audience of around 350, the gala dinner evening featured performances by ten participants, drawn from a public call for entries, who were teamed up with professional dancers for months of lessons and rehearsals.

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.

For more information on Forest Holme Hospice, visit www.forestholmehospice.org.uk.