South Lanarkshire-based G-Mac Dance School has issued an invitation to locals to take on the cha-cha-challenge at a cha-cha-thon fundraiser in support of Maggie’s Lanarkshire.
Taking place on Saturday 30th May at Ravenstruther and Cleghorn Hall Association from 1pm-3.30pm, the day will feature an hour of cha cha dancing, an exclusive demonstration from one of Scotland’s top amateur competing couples – dance guidance and inspiration from Mandy Wong and Carol Ann McKellar, in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere focused on movement, connect and community.
All funds raised will support Maggie’s Lanarkshire, helping ensure people with cancer receive free practical and emotional support when they need it most.
Participants will receive a Maggies t-shirt, a sponsorship form/fundraising guidance to help boost fundraising, a guided dance session led by experienced dancers and a free bottle of water.
Everyone is welcome with no dance experience required. This is a friendly, non-competitive event focused on enjoyment and togetherness.
Commenting on his inspiration behind organising the event G-Mac Dancing founder Graham McKellar said: “Six years ago I was excited to start building my dance school, teaching ballroom and Latin American dancing in the South Lanarkshire area. Things were going well with a core of dancers coming along on a weekly basis until I developed a black thumb nail. Although it looked like a simple bruise, just as Covid arrived, I was diagnosed with cancer, a melanoma under the nail.
“What followed was the end of my dance school as I had my thumb amputated, albeit too late as the cancer had spread, followed by an extensive course of immunotherapy which floored me, resulting in hepatitis, liver failure and Bell’s Palsy, and the following year peppered with hospital visits with some extended stays.
“During this time, I was introduced to the work done by Maggie’s Lanarkshire situated in the grounds of Monklands Hospital Airdrie and found myself visiting its building after appointments, sometimes to simply sit and take stock, sometimes to chat, but always with a friendly face and a cup of tea to greet me.
“I still have cancer and quite possibly always will have but thanks to the wonderful NHS and the support of Maggie’s I now live with the condition.
“On Saturday 30th May I want to be able to say thank you to Maggie’s for the time when I needed them most and the easiest way for me to do that is by holding a cha-cha-thon at the Ravenstruther and Cleghorn Hall to raise money for Maggie’s.
“We hope to have 60 people, whether they have danced before or are complete beginners, and hope to teach them to dance a cha cha routine which they will dance simultaneously. This is not about finding our next champion but about enjoying ourselves, having fun whilst raising money for Maggie’s.”
On the same day at the hall, the event will feature a family fun day with lots of things to do for kids of all ages, including a colourfest at the end of the day when kids can run through an explosion of assorted colours.
Sign-up fee is £10 with a fundraising target of £50. Call 01236 771191 or email lanarkshirefundraising@maggies.org for more information.
ENDS
For further information please contact Graham McKellar on tel 07552 323535
Issued on behalf of G-Mac Dancing by Liquorice Media tel 0141 332 4935 www.liquorice-media.com
Date: 15 May26