Dancing Santas rock the streets for cancer charity
More than 130 dancing Santas rocked Market Square in Lancaster before taking part in the annual Santa Dash for CancerCare.
Adults, children and groups took part in the first ‘Santa Salsa’ led by dancer teacher Rolando Theodorou from 3-1-5 health club as part of the Lancaster BID Christmas Lights Switch On event on Sunday, November 26.
Funds raised by the Santas are still rolling in and the final total is yet to be announced.
The top prize of a year’s family membership worth more than £1,200 for 3-1-5 gym was won by Amelia Darby and Rory Wood won the honour of switching on the Christmas lights for his fundraising efforts.
Winner of the Santa Dash around the city centre was Jack Baxter from Lancaster.
Milnthorpe Steel Band added to the carnival atmosphere by playing some slinky salsa tunes to get everyone in the mood for dancing.
The Bay radio station’s roadshow featured Scouting for Girls and a host of other bands and solo performers.
Anna Saczek, one of the event organisers from CancerCare, said: “The event went really well. It was fantastic to see so many smiling faces and everyone dancing along to the Santa Salsa with Rolando.”
The Santa Salsa was kindly sponsored by FGH Security Ltd and supported by 3-1-5 Gym and Lancaster Business Improvement District (BID).
Marion Love, Studio Manager for 3-1-5 gym, said: “I wanted to support CancerCare because my dad died of cancer and a friend of mine is going for radiotherapy at the moment.
“When my dad got cancer suddenly it seemed that every other person was affected by it. It’s just everywhere.
“It was great that Rolando led the warm-up because he’s such a character. He teaches dance class at 3-1-5 on Tuesday evenings. I’m glad we were able to support the event by having Rolando there.”
Funds raised through the Santa event will enable CancerCare to continue providing free therapies to individuals and families in North Lancashire and South Cumbria. Adults and children can access the free services in Lancaster, Kendal and, more recently, Barrow.
Neil Townsend, Chief Executive of CancerCare added: “It was a fantastic day and we were delighted that so many people turned up for the Santa Salsa and Santa Dash.
“It was great fun for everyone and the funds we raised will make such a difference to local families.
“I’d like to thank our sponsors, FGH Security and 3-1-5, for their support as well as Lancaster BID and The Bay radio station for putting on such a great event.”
Web: www.cancercare.org.uk Twitter: @CancerCareLocal Facebook: /CancerCareCharity