A POPULAR event which raised more than £20,000 for St Peter’s Hospice last year is in danger of being cancelled if a dance instructor cannot be found to help out.

The charity’s second annual Strictly Come Dancing competition, due to take place in March next year, is under threat due to the lack of a volunteer professional instructor.

The inaugural Strictly contest was held in the spring and raised a total of £23,000 to fund vital care at the charity’s hospice in Brentry, Bristol as well as pay for home care for terminally ill patients in the area including South Gloucestershire.

Keen dancers have already shown an interest in signing up for next year’s competition but organisers desperately need an instructor who is willing to give up their time and help 12 amateur dance couples learn routines for the finals.

St Peter’s Hospice events fundraiser Louisa James said: “The 2014 event was such a huge success but unfortunately last year’s dance instructor is unable to commit for 2015. We are desperately trying to find a new dance instructor so we will be able to put on the event again.

“We hope to raise around £25,000 from the event, which is a huge amount and will help us to continue caring for patients and their families in Bristol.”

The professional would need to meet the couples in December before training begins in January 2015. Training will run for eight weeks and couples will be taught two dances each of varying styles.

Following the training period, couples will perform to a crowd of 500 friends, family, members of the public and a judging panel, which will include the sought after dance instructor.

“If there are any dance instructors available on Saturday mornings from 10am-12noon from January 3 until the grand finale in March we would be so grateful if they would give up their time to help the hospice and this wonderful event,” added Louisa.

“Strictly Come Dancing is a great opportunity for people to raise money while doing something really fun. The couples learn so much in just eight weeks and really enjoy showing off their new skills at the finale.”

Space has been booked in the Student Union building on Queens Road, Clifton for the training sessions and the grand finale will take place on Saturday, March 7 2015 at the Anson Rooms.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Louisa James on 01275 391428 or email louisa.james@stpetershospice.org as soon as possible.