A group of nurses are swapping their scrubs for dresses as they take on a charity dance competition to support the children they care for on their hospital ward.
The team on the children’s ward at the University Hospital of North Tees are taking part in Nuvo Wellbeing’s ‘Strictly Nuvo’ dance competition and fundraising gala this October. As well as competing, they are also raising money to transform an outdoor space into a therapeutic garden for young patients and their families.
The black-tie event, taking place Thursday 30 October at Hardwick Hall, sees teams from across the region take to the dancefloor in support of the North Tees children’s ward and Nuvo Wellbeing’s ‘N-Dance Academies’ – which delivers free dance, performance and confidence coaching for young people across the North East.
Alyson Thompson, matron of the children’s ward, said: “We want children to have the best possible experience when they’re in hospital and our big aim is to get them outside, getting some fresh air, having fun and enjoying a little bit of normality.
“It’s hard being in hospital – I’ve been there with my own children – and just being able to have that bit of fun time outside, away from the confines of the ward, is really beneficial.
“None of us are dancers, we’re all total beginners – particularly me with my two left feet – so it’s been a real giggle. But we’re trying hard because we’re so passionate about raising this money to benefit the children that come to us.
“Any donations given in support of our garden will be hugely appreciated.”
The garden is the team’s most ambitious estates project yet. It comes after work to upgrade the ward’s sensory playroom and reading area earlier this year.
Preparing for the competition
The North Tees dance troupe is currently rehearsing in their spare time under the choreography and guidance of Kate Edwards, dance and wellbeing instructor at Nuvo Wellbeing.
Kate said: “The nurses are doing absolutely amazing. Considering they started off as beginners, their progress – and their confidence as well – has improved massively.
“Rehearsing has been hard with the team being so busy and working different shifts, but every time someone new comes in they pick it up straight away, they have fun and they’re smiling through it.
“I’m looking forward to the big night in October. It’s going to be amazing and I’m excited to cheer these guys on.”
Support the North Tees children’s ward
If you would like to support Aly and the team, please visit JustGiving.
Tickets for Strictly Nuvo are available for purchase online.