25 Apr 2024
A social dancing company based in Hillingdon – PJ Music & Dance – has recently raised £2,000 for London’s Air Ambulance Charity’s Up Against Time appeal with an exclusive dancing fundraiser.
Organised by Philip, the founder of PJ Music & Dance, the event saw 80 dancers take to the floor with ballroom, Latin American and sequence dancing in aid of helping the charity raise an additional £15 million to replace its helicopter fleet.
“I live a mile and a half away from the Northolt airbase, where the helicopter is overnight,” said Philip, “so I see the vehicles fly over my home most days.
“Then last year I saw the charity on the BBC, talking about the need to replace their helicopters.”
As the host of weekly dance events, Philip decided to organise an evening specifically for the charity.
“Most of the events I do are in Hillingdon – the same borough as Northolt. So London’s Air Ambulance Charity was a very relevant cause for the dancers, as well as being a brilliant service for the city.”
Philip’s evening saw money raised through ticket sales, a raffle and additional donations from the dancers, some of whom were unable to attend on the night but wanted to contribute. The hall gave a discount on the hire price, the local Tesco branch donated all the refreshments for the event and individuals gifted all the raffle prizes: the evening truly was a community collaboration.
One of London’s Air Ambulance Charity’s volunteers attended the fundraiser and gave a talk on the service and the charity during the half-time break; many of the dancers were interested in how to get further involved with the charity. The hall was also kitted out with charity leaflets and pictures of the current helicopters.
The dancers completed a variety of dances, including the waltz, the quick step, foxtrot, cha-cha and rumba.
“It was a fantastic evening,” said Philip. “Everyone had such a great time and we were thrilled to raise £2,000.”
One of Philip’s previous participants Arthur, is turning 100 this year and heard about the event. “He wasn’t able to join in with the dancing, but he has donated £1 for every year he has lived to the charity!”
Philip thought it a lovely idea to donate Arthur’s £100 through our London Legend campaign, meaning Arthur’s name will be printed onto one of our new helicopters later this year.
“I also purchased a dedication for my father, who sadly recently passed.” You can find out more about the London Legend campaign and buy your own dedications here.
We are so thankful to Philip for his fabulous fundraising efforts and look forward to honouring his father and Arthur on one of our new helicopters.
If you’re thinking about organising your own fundraising event, please feel free to email the team on [email protected].