Eight hours of dancing for charity

03 March 2011

Headway East London held their third annual 8-Hour Dance Marathon at The Rich Mix in Shoreditch and raised over £12,000 to support people affected by brain injury.

Dance Marathons started in the US in the 1930s. It has since taken the world by storm, raising hundreds of thousands pounds for many worthy causes. In the UK, Dance Marathon is a relatively new phenomena and Headway East London is the first organisation to run such as event to celebrate life and public spirit in London, involving hundreds of people from planning to dancing. The primary goal is to raise money for Headway East London to continue providing support for people with an acquired brain injury and to educate the public about the struggles and triumphs of those who survive such injuries.

This Dance Marathon was the biggest to date with over 250 people involved in the event. All funds raised on the night were through dancers' sponsorship, ticket sales, raffle and donations.

Fundraising dancers came from a diverse group in the community from all ages and abilities. The youngest participant was Holly - an eight week old baby. There were people who danced solo or in teams. People came dressed to impress and created a colourful atmosphere in which to show off their dancing skills and learn some new moves.

In total there were 85 participating fundraising dancer, 30 volunteers and over 100 spectators cheering the dancers on and keeping them motivated. In true dance marathon spirit dance teachers, musicians, DJs and performers volunteered their time and skills to create the energetic and enthusiastic entertainment. Dance acts included Bollywood Dance London, Zumba, Sensical, Cut-A-Shine, and Swing Patrol. Live music was supplied by Funk Soul Brothers, The Craven Braves, and White Wedding DJs who kept the event going throughout the 8- hours.

The event was made possible through corporate sponsorship. Over 20 local businesses donated gifts to raffle and prizes to award categories such as: best fundraiser, best team routine, best air-guitar and best freestyler to name but a few.

Quotes

Miriam Lantsbury, Chief Executive of the charity Headway East London

"I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to Headway's third Dance Marathon on Saturday - the dancers, supporters, volunteers, local businesses and corporate sponsors - without you this event would not be a success. This event is always great fun and I think everyone that came along had a good time. We raised a phenomenal £12,000 - this will go towards our information, advice and advocacy work which offers a lifeline for many people with brain injury and their families."

Adrian Davies, Dance Marathon participant who raised over £400 for Headway East London

"My thanks goes to all those who sponsored me and help me raise much needed funds to help Headway East London to provide the therapies required to members that their local boroughs don't fund."

Errol Drysdale, Headway House Member

"It's a great feeling to move every bit of my body and to listen to the music. I'll be in my wheelchair for most of the night but I'll get up to wriggle my hips if there is a really good song on. I love to watch people dance. I'm doing the dance marathon to raise money for Headway and have a good time!"

Ben Hammond, dancer

"I am here today to be part of this wonderful event. As a former resident of East London, I am proud to support the great work Headway East London does in the area and throughout London".