The event was held to raise funds for the Wessex Cancer Trust, which was established in 1981 to provide relief for those suffering from cancer and their carers, to promote research into the disease and to advance education into its causes, prevention and treatment.

 

Jo joined 7 other local Business personalities to take part even though she had no previous dancing experience.  The event was held at The Hotel Piccadilly in Bournemouth, attended by over 120 local business people who enjoyed a champagne reception, 3 course dinner and entertainment by the professional dancers as well as the local business people.  The event was organised at relatively short notice which meant Jo had to undertake several training sessions in her own time and raise money for the charity. 

 

To date over £6,000 has been raised for WCT by this event and the money is still being collected.

 

Helen Stacey – Head of Operations commented “I think Jo is absolutely brilliant for agreeing to take part in this event.  There is no way I would put myself through the humiliation of embarrassing myself by dancing with a professional ballroom dancer in front of 120 people – most of whom I would know!  She did an amazing job on the night cheered on by 10 of her colleagues as well as her boyfriend and parents.  We were a little concerned on the Friday before hand when Jo twisted her ankle but like a true pro she had a training session on the Saturday morning and managed to even dance in her heels on the night!!”