College head of drama Tom Lewis is donning his dancing shoes to step out in the local equivalent of Strictly Come Dancing on Friday (11 March).

Tom, 42, from Audenshaw, is busy putting the last moves to his routine alongside his wife Lisa, 39, as they go head to head against other couples in the hope of scooping a prestigious title - and impressive trophy.

They will also be aiming to raise as much money as possible at the same time for a cause that is very close to both of their hearts.

Willow Wood and Oldham-based Dr Kershaw’s Hospices have teamed up to jointly stage the fabulous ‘Strictly Dance’ fundraiser this year.

All 360 tickets for the glittering event at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in Oldham sold out within days for Friday night’s show - such is the event’s popularity as it returns following the pandemic.

Couples will be attempting to sizzle with their salsas and thrill with their tangos in the hope of claiming the Glitterball Trophy - plus raising as much money as possible for both hospices. 

Tom has been a teacher at Denton Community College for just over ten years and recently became head of drama.

But despite his background in performing arts and music, he said dancing is very much ‘outside of his comfort zone’ and all of the students at the college have been hugely surprised to learn about the part he is playing in the fundraiser.

Tom explained that he and his wife Lisa have been busy raising money for Willow Wood Hospice for a number of year’s following the loss of Lisa’s father after he was diagnosed with a late stage brain tumour. Lisa’s father was cared for in his last days at Willow Wood.

“The support and the love we felt from the staff at Willow Wood made dealing with a very, very difficult situation a lot easier and so much of that was down to the volunteer work undertaken by those at the hospice.

“So now we try to take every opportunity we can to support the hospice and raise money for them,” said Tom.

For the couple the Strictly Dance contest is one such opportunity, Lisa having herself once trained as a dancer in her youth - and because both are obsessed with watching Strictly Come Dancing on TV.

Full training has been provided for all of the couples over a six week period.

“Olivia at Boundary Arts has been brilliant with us,” said Tom.

Each participating couple has been assigned a dance with Tom and Lisa provided with the theme of ‘musical theatre’.

They will be dancing to Ladies’ Choice from Hairspray - a jive-like, fast paced piece.

Tom says he has never been choreographed before so the process has been quite challenging.

But as well as the pressure of performing for an audience of  hundreds, each couple will also have to face the judges - one of whom is none other than former Conservative politician Edwina Currie.

Tom and Lisa have already been raising money for the hospice and would like to say a huge thank you to their neighbours who donated a host of items for a market stall they held recently.

To date they have raised just over £1,200 already - but are appealing for more donations on behalf of the hospice. 

Fundraising at the college for the couple is also ongoing, with staff and students fully behind the couple and wishing them well for Friday night’s contest.

You can donate to the couple’s fundraising efforts online at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Lisa-Lewis55 

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