• Strictly stars crowned Bolton NICU nurse the winner of a fundraising dance event in Blackpool
• Dance Floor Heroes invites people to take part in a Strictly-style experience
• Trish Lindley is aiming to raise £7,000 to help support people with mental and physical wellbeing

A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurse from Royal Bolton Hospital has impressed a panel of Strictly Come Dancing stars at a charity dancing competition, raising money for mental and physical wellbeing.

Trish Lindley lifted the Dance Floor Heroes glitter ball trophy after taking part in the annual fundraising spectacular in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens Empress Ballroom.

Thousands of people from all over the country applied and auditioned to take part the Strictly-style experience, which sees people being partnered up with a professional dancer to learn a routine and perform in front of judges and an audience of 3,000 people.

Each dancer is challenged to raise £1,000 for Dance Floor Heroes and Tia’s Crown mental health charity, with Trish’s current fundraising total is sitting at an incredible £6,600.

Trish is now aiming to go even further to reach £7,000:

I’m incredibly passionate about raising awareness of mental health and helping to break down some of the stigmas that still exist, and taking part in a fundraising dance competition felt like a great opportunity to raise money and make difference.

“Looking after our mental health is so important, and I myself joined a dance class to help me to focus on my own mental wellbeing and give myself the space I need to switch off from the world.

“I know that mental health services can often be overstretched and in need of their own support. Every penny counts and if the money I raise can help even one person then I know I will have done a great job and been able to do something positive for others.

The event saw Trish take part in six weeks of training to learn and perfect the rumba with her professional dance partner, Michael Johnson, who owns The Base Dances Studios.

‘Fulfilled a childhood dream’

The hard work paid off when Strictly professionals Darren Bennett, Katya Jones and Pasha Kovalev awarded the duo 27 out of 30 points to win this year’s competition, following a round of public voting on Facebook.

I’m not sure how I pulled the rumba off. I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would be able to step out and perform in front of such a big audience, but I’m thrilled to have won and lifted the glitter ball and most importantly raised vital funds and awareness for a good cause.

“I will be forever grateful for this opportunity to dance with such an incredible dancer as Mike. It’s hard to put into words, but it has fulfilled a childhood dream and given me such beautiful memories.

To support Trish with her fundraising target, please visit her JustGiving page for more information.