Strictly Air Ambulance Success

Our popular fundraiser Strictly Air Ambulance was back for its twelfth year on Saturday 9^th March, returning to the Brentwood Centre where it all began.

It was a captivating evening of talent, glamour and generosity as the five couples competed to win the glitterball trophy. Presiding over the ballroom and Latin routines were a panel of judges including BBC Strictly Come Dancing regulars Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington, along with our CEO Jane Gurney, pro Latin dancer Ben Milan-Vega and head judge Phil Meacham of Chelmsford Dance Centre.

Sponsored by Birkett Long Solicitors and Rig Equipment Limited, the show saw the couples each perform elegant, elaborate, and vibrant ballroom and Latin routines, cheered on by an 800-strong audience. Nadiya and Kai also took to the floor wowing the crowd with two show-stopping performances.

Judges – Phil Meacham, Ben Milan-Vega, Jane Gurney, Kai Widdrington, Nadiya Bychkova

“It was incredible to be a part of such a great event and to see so many people come together to support the charity,” Nadiya said.

“It was fun to judge and fun to dance, and both Kai and I used to compete on this dancefloor, so it brought back lots of memories!”

The couples, under the judges’ scrutiny on the night, made plenty of their own memories, too. Laura and Andrew, Kerrie and John, Steve and Katie, Sarah and Hayden, and Richard and Jody twirled and glided across the dancefloor helping to raise vital funds.

For the second year running, extra sparkle was brought to the show by hosts TV and radio presenter, and EHAAT Celebrity Ambassador, Lisa Snowdon and ITV presenter David Whiteley.

Hosts David Whiteley & Lisa Snowdon

Lisa said: “Strictly Air Ambulance is such a fun evening to be a part of. The contestants, professional dancers, judges and of course the brilliant Nadiya and Kai along with the audience were amazing. What a great atmosphere, with 800 in the audience encouraging everyone who took to the dance floor!

“I love hosting this event with David, and I’m delighted that as an ambassador for the charity I can help in this way.”

After a close contest, with a very high-level of dancing from all couples, Sarah and her partner Hayden eventually won the judges votes, and title of Strictly Air Ambulance Champions 2024, proudly lifting the glitterball trophy.

Winners Sarah Ridge & Hayden Wise

Winning contestant Sarah Ridge, founder of The Sisterhood Networking Group said, “It has always been my dream to do Strictly, and so to have won tonight I’m over the moon. We had so much fun on the dancefloor and once the crowd got behind us my nerves disappeared, and we just went for it! Big thank you to Hayden for being such a fantastic teacher. I’m so pleased that I was able to be a part of this fabulous event, supporting such a great cause. If anyone is thinking of giving it go next year, I say do it! It is a once in a lifetime experience.”

Our very own Jane Gurney once again opened the show dancing with pro-Latin dancer and fellow judge Ben Milan-Vega. Jane said: “Many congratulations to Sarah and Hayden, and to all our contestants and celebrity dancers for a wonderful evening of entertainment.

“We’ve not only witnessed stunning performances but also seen once again how important this vital life-saving service is to the communities of Essex and Hertfordshire. Our thanks go to all the generous people who supported this spectacular event, from contestants and sponsors to those who bought tickets or donated prizes. Each and everyone, including our hosts David and Lisa, has helped raise more than £40,000 which enabled us to put on this fantastic event and support your local life-saving charity.”

Speaking about EHAAT’s work, Nadiya said: “What the team does is very special and it was amazing to hear the stories and meet some of the crew. It was a wonderful evening and such a pleasure to be part of it.”

Tickets for Strictly Air Ambulance 2025, Saturday 15^th March, are now on sale and for a limited time only are available at an early bird discounted rate.

A big thank you to G+G Gallo for sponsoring the after party and to London Southend Airport for sponsoring the auction and to all our partners and the local businesses who kindly donated auction and raffles prizes.

And a HUGE thank you to our amazing Strictly Air Ambulance 2024 couples, you were all fab-u-lous!

Laura Bannister, LKB Fitness & Andrew Linguard

Richard Willis, Attract & Engage & Jody De’ath, Dancematic

Kerrie Barker, North East Essex Mind & John Denegri, A&M Dance School

Steve Drew & Katie Harrison

Sarah Ridge, The Sisterhood Networking Group & Hayden Wise, Dancematic