This Sunday I’m taking part in the six-hour Red Nose Day Danceathon to raise money for Comic Relief. The event is at Wembley Arena in London and will be hosted by Claudia Winkelman. I’ll be with Team Honk – a group of around 100 bloggers and their friends and relations led by the marvellous Annie of Mammasauraus, Tanya of Mummy Barrow and Penny of A Residence.
Apparently we’ll be dancing in a different style every half an hour: from ‘50s jive and ‘60s swing to ‘70s disco, ‘80s anthems, street dance, hip hop, Bollywood and West End musicals. I anticipate that anyone watching me won’t be able to tell which kind of dance I’m doing but hey-ho, I’ll try my best. In preparation I’ve been going swimming more often and trying to stand up rather than sit down while I’m working.
There are going to be various celebrities at the danceathon but I probably won’t recognise any of them unless they’ve appeared in Breaking Bad, The Wire, Lord of the Rings or a children’s film. Although I do know who Claudia Winkelman is.
I don’t usually take part in sponsored events – the last time I did so was for Team Honk’s blogger relay for Comic Relief last year – because I really hate asking people for money. But I felt that I couldn’t not sign up for this because I’m able-bodied and should manage to dance for six hours, I live near London and can easily get to Wembley, I’m free on Sunday and because it’s for Comic Relief.
I couldn’t not sign up because I know that the money raised will be put to good use by Comic Relief to help vulnerable people in the UK, in Africa and elsewhere. It will help groups like the Trussell Trust to give emergency food to people who are in crisis in the UK. It will help UK charities such as The Fostering Network to support fostered children and their carers. It will help international charities such as ChildHope in their work with street children in India and elsewhere. And so I’m happy to spend my Sunday dancing badly and failing to recognise celebrities. And by taking part and asking my friends and family (and Marco Polo Guides, see below) to sponsor me I have so far raised £345.
How to follow the danceathon live
If you’d like to see what’s happening at the danceathon on Sunday you can follow @Team_Honk #teamhonk and #danceathon on social media. You can also watch the event live on the BBC Red Button from midday – as long as you know what the Red Button is and how to use it. (Not sure that we have one in our house.)
How to sponsor me
Marco Polo Guides have very kindly sponsored me £150 and I’ll be wearing one of their T-shirts (with other clothes too, and trainers) while I’m dancing. Thank you very much to Marco Polo (I’m giving away some of their new Spiral Guide books here) and to my friends and family who have already sponsored me.
If you’d like to sponsor me too you can do so via my Red Nose Day Giving page.
Thank you!
Globalmouse says
How did it go?! I’m so impressed that you took part in this – well done, I hope it went well!
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Gretta Schifano says
Thank you! It was exhausting, especially as I had a heavy cold, but I’m glad that I did it.
Clare Nicholas says
I kept an eye on all the media channels and your were all fabulous.
Well done
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Gretta Schifano says
Thank you – you’re very kind!
Mens Flip Flops says
Well done for participating, sounds like lots of fun!
Gretta Schifano says
Thank you.
Jaime Oliver says
Sorry for my late visit, I was so hoping to say Hi Yesterday and never managed it! .. it was however the amazing event wasn’t it!
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Gretta Schifano says
It was – sorry to have missed you though.
Cherished By Me says
I hope it went well and you’re not in too much pain this evening! Such a great thing you’ve all done. x
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Gretta Schifano says
Thank you – I’m very tired but glad to have done it.
Polka Dot Family says
Good luck and have fun!
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Gretta Schifano says
Thank you!
Rachel says
I hope you enjoy yourself, it does sound like loads of fun x
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Gretta Schifano says
Thank you!
Stephen says
Really wish you lots of luck for Sunday.
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Gretta Schifano says
Thank you!
Rachel says
Good luck with it, it sounds as though you will be having lots of fun x
Rachel recently posted…LookFantastic March Box
Gretta Schifano says
Thanks very much!
Kara says
I so wanted to take part but we have a family party the same day :0(
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Mummy's Little blog says
Well done you i hope you have everything ready and your well warmed up! Hope it goes well!
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Jen aka Muminthemadhouse says
Well done, I hope you survive without blisters and have a hoot
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Carolynne @ Mummy Endeavours says
Oh best of luck hun! You’ll be amazing… and I’ve seen you dance remember hehe! Really wish I was doing it now 🙁 x
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Gretta Schifano says
Thank you – and sorry that you won’t be there!
Cass@frugalfamily says
What a great cause – it sounds like its going to be a lot of fun x x ]
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angela hamilton says
yay well done for agreeing to take part and I hope you have fun xx
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Kate Thompson says
Comic Relief seems to be passing by unnoticed here – none of the kids’ schools are doing anything at all for it. The twins’ school did have a fun day recently raising money for the local SEN school though – nice to focus on local charities for a change I think. Good luck with your challenge!
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Gretta Schifano says
Thank you!
Donna @OrdCyclingGirl says
Hi Gretta, can’t wait to dance with you on Sunday! Go Team Honk!
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Gretta Schifano says
Looking forward to seeing you at Wembley!
Erica Price says
Well done you – I hate taking part in sponsored things too, don’t like the fundraising. I did take part last year in Team Honk though, but we can’t this year.
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Iz says
Go mumma!!!! You’re mad for wanting to dance for that long but very proud of you, I’ll be waiting at home with the blister plasters x
Gretta Schifano says
Thanks honey xx