TRAINING has begun for the contestants in this year’s Strictly St Rocco’s and before the contestants get glitzy they have been putting in the hours to learn their steps.

Brave volunteer Andy Marsh is hoping his hard work will pay off and he will raise as much money as possible for the hospice which cared for his mum.

Andy, a senior buyer for town centre company Countryside, will be dancing the Paso Doble with a professional at the event on December 10.

He said: “I got involved due to my previous experience with St Rocco’s and the great work they do in difficult circumstances.

“After seeing first-hand how they cared for my mum, I was so impressed and grateful. When any event comes up I am always happy to help.”

Andy agreed to dance but said it was a couple of weeks before he realised what he was letting himself in for.

“I realised I had signed up to dance in front of hundreds of people at an amazing event and that’s when the nerves kicked in,” he said.

“I can’t dance. I have no rhythm and two left feet, but the training has been fantastic and I am absolutely loving it.

“It is so far out of my comfort zone. Going from the rugby field to the ballroom is a big step, but to raise money and help St Rocco’s it is well worth the change.

“I’m hoping everyone will give generously to see me rise to the challenge of turning me into a dancer.”

The popular event takes place at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa in Knutsford and will see 10 contestants battle it out for the chance to take home the glitterball trophy.

And the dancers have been training with professionals from Cadmans Dance Centre to help get them into shape.

Andy said: “I am really looking forward to the night and really enjoying the lessons so far.

“I am hoping that I am not too nervous and don’t let my dance partner down as she has put a lot of effort into the routine.

“I have no previous experience apart from rather merry nights in bars and clubs. Coming from a rugby background, ballroom dancing could not be further from my comfort zone.”

But he said he is looking forward to wowing his family with his new skills on the dancefloor.

He added: “I can’t wait for the evening as I don’t think my wife, Helen, and my sons actually believe I will look remotely like a dancer. I can’t wait to see everyone’s faces when I get all 10s.”

STRICTLY fan Liz Preston said she is honoured to be invited to take part in this year’s fundraiser for St Rocco’s.

The chief executive of Agility Logistics Solutions said she has been working hard to learn the waltz, which she will be dancing with a professional on the night. She said: “I have learned so much about St Rocco’s and the exceptional care provided to the patients and support to relatives at a terrible time.

“I was moved by how hard everyone works to ensure that it is a fabulous and positive place that can look after people in their greatest need. 

“I am nervous and excited about dancing. 

“I have had two lessons so far and realise how unfit I am. But I am hoping and expecting it to be a wonderful evening.”

Liz had dance lessons as a youngster but confessed she has not practised for 40 years.

WHEN he was invited to take part in this year’s Strictly St Rocco’s instead of watching the action from the audience, Chris Downey was happy to take on the challenge.

The manager at Catherine Street Motors in Bewsey has attended the event for the past three years to support friends but this year he is ready to face the music himself and will be dancing the Charleston.

He said: “Lots of family, friends and colleagues will be attending the event so I need to put as much effort in as possible to prevent embarrassment.

“I always quite fancied making the transition to be one of the dancers. It is always a great night and I’m really looking forward to getting my dancing shoes out this year.”

Chris said the experience will take him out of his comfort zone but he has been given some valuable advice by former contestants and will focus on enjoying the night.

Sponsor Chris by visiting justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-downey83.

Sponsor Liz at justgiving.com/fundraising/elizabeth-preston1.

To sponsor Andy visit justgiving.com/Andy-Marsh11 or stroccos.org.uk.