Docs don sequins for charity event

‘Strokely Come Dancing’ saw staff at Sheffield Teaching Hospital’s Stroke Service hit the dance floor recently to compete against doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists and paramedics in a bid to win their very own glitter ball trophy.

And the event, which attracted over 400 spectators, raised nearly £5,000, which will be put towards specialist equipment, new technologies in speech and language therapy, and helping to support local patient support groups. The money will also help to fund specialist training and research.

Stroke nurse consultant Amanda Jones, who led the event at St. Paul’s Mecure Hotel, said: “Strokley Come Dancing was amazing – such a great atmosphere. The concept was suggested by one of our stroke nurse practitioners as a fun event which would help encourage lots of people to get involved.

“It took a huge amount of organisation. Many of our couples didn’t have any dance experience, so Helen’s School of Dance gave their time for free in teaching us our dance moves.

“The funds raised will help to improve the service we provide for our patients and their carers. We need more specialist seating, mobility aids and equipment. We also want to help support the various stroke support groups - to help people who are living with the consequences of stroke longterm - and raise awareness, so that the people of Sheffield know what to do if they suspect they or someone else is having a stroke.”