Gethin Jones and Denise Van Outen to host local charity event

Tomorrow night (11^th May) is going to be a ball thanks to National Charity, Seashell Trust’s, Strictly Come Dancing inspired event.

Actress Denise Van Outen, will be Celebrity judge on the night, with Welsh TV Presenter, Gethin Jones, compering. Both will bring with them their Strictly knowledge after previously appearing on the BBC show as Denise Van Outen was 2012’s runner up in the show and Gethin Jones came third in 2007.

The event is thought to raise £100k with all donations going towards the Stockport based charity, Seashell Trust, who provide care and education for children and young people with complex learning difficulties and communication needs. Make Events are the official event partner for the ball.

Denise Van Outen said: “I was filled with excitement when Make Events asked me if I would be the Celebrity Judge for Strictly Seashell to help this wonderful cause. Having been a contestant on the show and performed in musicals I feel I can contribute effectively to the process.”

Following ten weeks of intensive training the dancers, who are made up of the city’s big names and top business leaders, will go toe-to-toe in a dance off like no other at Manchester’s glitzy Hilton Hotel.

Gethin added: “I decided to visit the Trust after Make Events asked host the Strictly Seashell event. Some of the children are very poorly with extremely complex illnesses. But the thing is, you walk away inspired by their bravely and resilience. The staff are heroes, they have all my respect. Our aim on the night is to raise crucial funds for the Trust to continue the brilliant work that they do.

“A big shout out to our contestants who have never danced before!! I’ve been there, it’s nerve racking. It’s going to be a lot fun, and hopefully, a successful one!”

Rachel McCrystal from Seashell said: “We’re delighted to have Gethin and Denise involved in the event, as well as all the fantastic dancers. The dancers have worked hard on their performances and the event is set to be a success.

“The funds raised will go towards making sure our children and young people receive the best quality of care and education, to keep them educated and happy in a safe and creative space. A huge thanks to all of our sponsors and Make Events who are our official events partner.”

Those dancing on the night include; Aisha Kamani, from Pretty Little Thing, Michael Joesphson MBE, Managing director of Stocks 2015 Ltd, Sanjeev Bhatia, Director of Terminal 1 clothing, Jodie Moulding and Joanne Gallemore, from the Hut Group, Martine Tempest-Mitchell, from Timpson Group, Lisa Morton from Roland Dransfield PR, Dianne Bourne, I Love Manchester and the Director of Home Bargains, Joe Morris.

Holly Moore, Founder and Managing Director of Make Events, Strictly Seashell’s official events partner and the North’s to-go-to corporate events agency, said: “When Seashell approached Make Events to support the Strictly event I wanted to see for myself what the trust offered. Being taken round the entire facility moved me beyond measure. The jobs that the team do there and the rest bite that is offered to parents is immeasurable. I walked away so humbled and convinced it was the right event for us to support.”

Sponsors for the event also include PZ Cussons, The HUT Group, Together Money, Pretty Little Thing, Morson and Boodles.