'Pendleside Does Strictly' competition 2025 raises £100,000 for Pendleside Hospice
This year’s ‘Pendleside Does Strictly’ competition has raised the incredible sum of £100,724.27, making 2025 the most successful year since it was launched three years ago.
The final total was revealed when some of the 2025 contestants, sponsors and supporters gathered at the hospice to celebrate the conclusion of the third year of the much-loved fundraising event.
This year’s winner was public sector worker Lee Clough and his partner Jess Porter.
Now firmly established as one of Pendleside Hospice’s flagship fundraising events, Pendleside Does Strictly pairs local ‘celebrities’ with a professional dancer from Sandersons Dance & Fitness who take part in a glitzy dance competition inspired by the popular television show.
Over several months, each couple commits to intensive training before performing in front of a live audience, all in aid of hospice care across the local community.
The 2025 final took place at Impact Conferencing (Life Church) in Burnley.
On the night, 10 local participants take to the stage and delivered show-stopping routines which captivated a packed audience and those watching from home via livestream.
After each couple had performed two dances, the judges selected the highest-scoring pairs to advance to a thrilling final dance-off, where this year’s champions were ultimately crowned.
Funds raised via Pendleside Does Strictly will go directly towards supporting the hospice’s specialist care for patients and families across Burnley and Pendle, helping ensure that individuals with life-limiting illnesses, and those close to them, receive compassionate care when they need it most.
The event was sponsored by Daisy, whose generous support helped ensure that more of the money raised could go straight towards hospice services.
Matthew Riley, founder and chairman of Daisy, said: “Raising over £100,000 is an extraordinary achievement and a true reflection of the passion and commitment shown by everyone involved in Pendleside Does Strictly.
“We are immensely proud to sponsor an event that brings people together for such an important cause, with funds that will directly support individuals and families within our community.
"A huge well done to everyone who took part in, and supported this event.”
A spokresman for the hospice said: “Pendleside Hospice would like to thank all contestants, professional dancers, volunteers, sponsors, supporters and the hospice fundraising team for making the 2025 event such a remarkable success. The dedication shown by everyone involved
once again highlighted the strength of community support behind the hospice.”