Preston hospital worker reaches finals of star-studded Strictly NHS

Cassandra Gleeson, a Clinical Trials Support Officer within the Research team at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, has been selected as one of 12 finalists out of 2,000 entrants in the dancing competition that mirrors BBC's popular dancing show.

With two sons and a past working in pubs and the military, she said she is excited to "dress up and feel like a lady" for the competition.

Contestants have had the opportunity to train with a professional dancer before they perform in the Empress Ballroom, Blackpool before a panel of judges.

Cassandra said: “I can’t believe it. I am so excited to be representing not only the Clinical Research team but our also our entire Trust.

"This amazing competition will hopefully raise lots of money to give back to NHS staff. It has been such a difficult year, but I am thrilled to be ending it with this wonderful news.

"I can’t wait to start rehearsals, and I hope we get as many people as possible to watch the show on the night.”

Organisers are hoping to raise £10,000 for the NHS charities with the money being raised through sponsorship of our successful applicants, ticket sales from the event itself and donations from businesses wishing to be involved.

And training for the event will begin on January 11, with the final event being held on February 26.

Catherine Lamoon, Senior Multimedia Developer and Medical Photographer at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said “Cassandra has done incredibly well and we are all extremely proud to call her our colleague.

"The competition is for a great cause and I know Cassandra will have the full backing of her team and wider colleagues here at the Trust – which are some pretty big numbers. I was delighted to be able to support Cassandra with her entry video, and we wish her all the very best of luck."

Cassandra will find out who her professional dance partner is in the new year, and once this announcement is made, the pair will start twice-weekly training ahead of the final.

When all 12 finalists have performed, the audience will vote for who they want to win, and the two highest scorers will compete in a dance-off, after which the winner will be chosen by the judges.

Hosting the show is Ian Waite, former Strictly Come Dancing pro and current co-host of Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.

The four judges are James Wilson, the show’s organiser and choreographer, and three current Strictly Come Dancing pros who are yet to be announced.

To find out more information or to make a donation via JustGiving, visit here.

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