Family inspires Stacey and Christopher
COUPLE number two taking to the floor for this year’s charity fundraiser Strictly Inverness are Stacey Allen and Christopher Watson.
Both have been inspired by family members who took part in the
Stacey Allan and Christopher Watson are following in footsteps of family members.
extravaganza last year.
But as if being put through the gruelling training sessions wasn’t enough for 45-year-old Stacey, she also has to juggle four children, all under 10.
Stacey – who lives in Briargrove Gardens, Inshes, with her husband Alasdair, a Highland News photographer who took part in the event last year – explained why she wanted to try her hand at tripping the light fantastic this year.
She said: "Ali put my name down for it and I couldn’t say no because of the causes it raises money for.
"I’m terrified. Doing this scares the life out of me. I have never stood out before, but in all honesty I am doing it for the kids. I want them to be proud of me.
"I want them to think there is nothing they can’t do if they try their best. I want to be an inspiration."
Stacey, who has joined a gym since starting her training to help boost her and Christopher’s chances of winning the title, added: "The training is hard work but the tutors are amazing.
"It’s going okay. At the start we didn’t know each other very well and you have to get physically very close to one another, but we are doing well and we have really clicked. Christopher is a gentleman and we are having a laugh."
She added that Alasdair’s dad Peter died in the hospice almost seven years ago after a battle with cancer and she knows what good work it does.
"The hospice is an amazing place and the staff are fantastic. It doesn’t feel like a place where people are passing away."
Christopher was inspired to take part after his brother James was transformed into a twinkle toes for last year’s event.
Christopher, who lives with his wife Carolyn and 17-year-old son Ryan in Firthview Drive, said: "If I am honest, part of the reason I wanted to take part is that I have loved dancing all my life.
"I have not missed an episode of Strictly. I am an old soul boy. I love getting up on the dance floor.
"Part of me is a bit competitive with James."
Speaking about how the training was going, he added: "I’m sore and stiff but I’m having fun.
"Training is going reasonably well. There are some very hard moves but I would say we are on track and we have a couple of surprises up our sleeves.
"At the moment I am looking forward to the shows but we will all have the jitters on the night. I went to the contest last year and it was great."
www.justgiving.com/Stacey-Allen
www.justgiving.com/chris-watson1
Stacey Allan and Christopher Watson are following in footsteps of family members.
