Dancing extravaganza raises thousands for worthy causes

A dancing extravaganza backed by several Marketing Derby Bondholders has raised £14,000 for local charities.

Last month, 10 local personalities swapped their day jobs for the ballroom floor at Reach Conference Centre when they took part in the Unstrictly Dancing charity fundraiser.

Among those taking part this year were Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council, Lisa Marriott, head of people and culture at Embark Federation and chair of Rebuild East Midlands, Emma Pilgrim, events and partnerships manager at Derby County Community Trust, Chris Birds, joint owner of Boxall Brown & Jones and BB&J Commercial, Tom Morgan, managing director of trentbarton and Sir Richard Fitzherbert, chair of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.

But it was Roxroy Fearon and his professional partner Emma Charlton who were crowned winners on the night.

However, the real winners were the charities. This year’s event raised vital funds for The Lewis Sewell Memorial Trust, The Living Recovery Foundation and Rebuild East Midlands, while also supporting children’s places at Derby Kids’ Camp and Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre.

The £14,000 raised represents the best year yet for Unstrictly Dancing.

Organised by Unity is Community CIC, the event saw business leaders, community figures and people who had never danced in public before take to the floor.

Theresa Peltier DL, founder and director of Unity is Community CIC, said: “Every year I am moved all over again by the courage of the people who say ‘yes’ to Unstrictly Dancing, and by the generosity of everyone who comes along to support them.

“Watching this event grow from where it started to raising £14,000 in a single night fills me with immense pride, and every pound raised will make a real difference to the causes we support.”

The event was sponsored by Cosy Direct, HUUB, L.E.A.D. IT Services, Butler’s Pantry, Reach Conference Centre and EMA Training.

Director Jonathan Leach said: “Theresa and I are just so grateful to everyone who played a part.

“10 incredible people swapped their day jobs for the dance floor and every single one of them was magnificent. A massive thank you to everyone.

“Collectively, we have raised £14,000 for the five charities this year, and we are heading in the right direction.

“We raised £5,000 in 2024 and £11,000 in 2025, and none of it would be possible without the generosity of this wonderful community.”