Coventry running legend swaps his spikes for dancing shoes for charity

Coventry’s very own version of Strictly has hit the ground running this year with a local legend swapping the running track for the dance floor.

Former world record holder David Moorcroft OBE, will be taking to the dance floor as part of the annual Strictly Christmas event, which is returning for its third year, to raise money for charity.

The former Chief Executive of UK Athletics will join a cast of 24 novice contestants for the charity event to raise crucial funds to support the work of Zoë’s Place Coventry on Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14 at the Royal Court Hotel in Coventry.

The event, which was first organised in 2017 by James Sanders, Head of Geography at Bluecoats School, has raised over £150,000 for Zoë’s Place Coventry in the last two years and with last year’s event reaching an incredible £91,000 in total.

The line-up of 24 contestants will be put through eight weeks of intensive dance training to learn two routines in ballroom and Latin with their experienced dance partners, with the winning couple lifting the coveted glitter ball trophy.

Following the popularity of last year’s event, tickets for this year have already sold out due to unprecedented demand with performers now dancing in front of an audience of nearly 700 people.

Dave Moorcroft expressed his excitement at taking to the dancefloor and trading his running spike for dancing shoes in aid of a good cause.

He said: “I have been a guest at the event for the last two years and I’ve loved it. My wife and Jane McGaffney, from Zoë’s Place, have been trying to convince me to have a go so I’ve decided to take on the challenge.

“I’m incredibly nervous to get started; I have got no rhythm or dancing skills so I’m very worried about falling in a heap on stage!

“It’s all for a good cause though so I’m hoping everyone really enters into the spirit of things and enjoys watching me try my best.”

Jane McGaffney, Community Fundraiser at Zoë’s Place, added: “The Strictly Christmas event has been incredibly popular and we’re so thrilled with how quickly tickets have sold out for this year’s event.

“The project is completely volunteer-led with a core organising team of five people and we are so grateful for their support in helping the event run smoothly and in helping to raise money for us.

“We are still looking for sponsors from the Coventry and Warwickshire business community, so if anyone would be interested in supporting the event and helping us to raise as much money as possible for a good cause then please get in touch.”

Businesses interested in sponsoring the event should visit www.zoesstrictlyxmas.org.uk