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Reporter steps up to ballroom challenge

Bolton News journalist Liam Thorp, who only recently underwent an operation to donate bone marrow to a poorly youngster, will be stepping out for Bolton Hospice’s annual Strictly Learn To Dance event over the next 10 weeks.

The 25-year-old will be following the fancy footsteps of reporter Melanie Wallwork who took part last year.

He is one of 11 couples who has signed up for the event and every entrant is challenged to raise £400 in sponsorship – the amount that it costs to run the hospice for one hour.

Liam will be keeping readers informed about his pirouetting progress

“During my time at The Bolton News, I have been involved in weird and wacky challenges, including dressing as a pantomime dame and having a prosthetic monkey mask attached to my face — but I can safely say that entering Bolton Hospice’s Strictly Learn To Dance will be my biggest challenge,” he told the paper.

“I have never been renowned for my dance moves and the only fancy footwork I have ever displayed has been on the football pitch — so I am feeling apprehensive, to say the least.”

Liam, who will find out who his dance partner is this week, will be under the expert eye of dance professionals during the competition.

The couples will learn three dance styles over the coming weeks before a champion is crowned at a grande finale on 5 April.

“I have never been a big fan of Strictly Come Dancing, but if I was to compare myself to a former celebrity contestant I would have to go for the cricketer Darren Gough — a cheeky chappy who is not in his prime physical condition but who hopefully will surprise everyone on the night,” added Liam.

“Of course, there is an important reason why I have decided to make a fool out of myself — the competition is to raise vital funds for the brilliant work done by Bolton Hospice.

“So I will keep everyone updated with my progress, or lack there of, and hopefully, I will be able to raise some money for a great cause.”

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