Strictly Come Dancing star Ian Waite sashayed into LOROS Hospice on Thursday where he wowed patients and nurses with his dancing – and even led a class of sit-down salsa.
The It Takes Two presenter met patients in the LOROS Day Therapy service who grilled him on his days as a Strictly Pro as well as joining the Latin American champion in his salsa lesson alongside nurses and carers.
Ian said: “I’ve had a wonderful day here at LOROS. I had such a warm welcome from the patients and staff. It was lovely to bring a smile to people’s faces.
“I was a bit apprehensive that it would be very sad here but actually it’s not like that at all. I’ve really enjoyed it.
“My grandmother-in-law, Pauline, is a long-standing volunteer at LOROS and she explained what a positive atmosphere there is here, and it’s true. We all had a great time.”
One lucky patient Margaret, 87, took a turn round the dance floor with Ian to the Vera Lynn song the Anniversary Waltz.
Her daughter, Sally Mitton, said: “She absolutely loved it. Ian made her day. She used to go to balls with my Dad but probably hasn’t danced for 40 years. It all just came back to her.
“I’d like to thank Ian for taking the time – it made all the difference to my mum.”
After visiting LOROS, Ian was off to a pub quiz to raise more funds for the Hospice.
