An Ipswich golf pro and his professional dance partner have waltzed to the glitter ball trophy after impressing Strictly Come Dancing stars.
Ryan Wingate, a PGA Professional at Ipswich Golf Club, worked with dancer and owner of Feather Steps Dance Academy Crystal Main to take part in Strictly Air Ambulance and raise as much cha-cha-change as possible for a good cause.
The event was held in aid of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance and raised a staggering £19,430 for the service.
On the judging panel were former Strictly Come Dancing champion Pasha Kovalev and current pro Chloe Hewett.
For the competition, each of the five participating couples had to perform a ballroom and Latin routine.
On winning the judges' vote, Mr Wingate said: “If anybody gets a chance to take part in this event then they should as it’s a fantastic thing to be a part of. I have hugely enjoyed the experience and I am really going to miss dancing with Crystal, who has been an amazing teacher and dancing partner.”
His dance partner Crystal Main added: “As a professional, I’ve always wanted to be able to lift the glitter ball trophy and I got to do it with Ryan for this amazing charity and event. He has been the model student from start to finish and was an absolute pleasure to teach and I’m glad that my Strictly Air Ambulance experience was with him.”
The event was hosted by EHAAT’s Celebrity Ambassador, Lisa Snowdon, alongside ITV Presenter David Whiteley, and had over 800 attendees.
It costs £750,000 a month for the air ambulance to stay flying.
EHAAT’s CEO, Jane Gurney, said: “As one of our highest profile events, Strictly Air Ambulance is an important fundraiser for us. So far we have raised an impressive £19,430, however, the overall total is still increasing as people continue to donate, which we are very grateful for."
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