STRICTLY Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas will be head judge at a competition in aid of a Wirral cancer support centre.

Strictly Maggie's takes place at Liverpool Football Club on Sunday, November 28. Based on the hit TV show, it will feature 15 participants dancing with a professional dancer from Merralls Dance Centre, Moreton.

They will compete to be crowned Strictly Maggie's Champions 2021. They have each had a fundraising target of £1,000.

Proceeds will go to Maggie's Wirral. Situated in the grounds of Clatterbridge Hospital, it provides free practical and emotional support for people living with cancer.

Among those taking part in the show on November 28 is Nige Williams, dancing in memory of wife Lynn, who passed away in July this year with CNS Lymphoma cancer.

Nige (pictured with Lynn, below) said: "I am literally stepping out of my comfort zone to support Maggie's Wirral for a number of reasons.

"Everyone that knows myself and Lynn will remember how Lynn loved to dance, having been a great ballroom dancer herself.

Wirral Globe:

"We used to sit watching Strictly on a Saturday and Sunday night. Lynn would comment on the dancers and she just loved the glamour.

"I know if Lynn was with me now, she would be so proud and would definitely be my biggest critic.

Wirral Globe:

Lynn Williams

"My other reason for taking part is because Maggie's was where Lynn and I would go, following her cancer treatment, to seek support and be around others to get much needed help.

"I want to support people living with and beyond cancer and in memory of my beautiful wife Lynn, who always saw the beauty in others and will always remain in my heart."

As the number of people living with cancer increases it is essential that they are able to find the practical and emotional support they need to cope with the changes that life after cancer brings.

Maggie's Wirral offers a way of living well with cancer. This includes ensuring that people with cancer in the region are really listened to, that they are offered tailored individual support, group support and practical advice, all delivered by qualified professionals within a space that enables them to meet other people who understand what it means to be living with cancer too.

On her involvement in Strictly Maggie's, Shirley Ballas, originally from Wallasey, said: "I know how it feels to be affected by cancer as close members of my family have had a cancer diagnosis and have undergone cancer treatment and operations.

"I have also lost loved ones to cancer, so I understand there is a real need for the support that Maggie's provides.

"I was involved in Strictly Maggie's 2019 and was delighted it raised an outstanding amount, helping to support so many families.

"When it was announced that Maggie's were hosting the event again, I just knew I had to be involved.

"People have felt the devastating impacts of living with cancer throughout the pandemic, but Maggie's have continued to be there for those people at a time they need it most.

"I love returning to my hometown and it's great to support a local charity."

Striclty Maggie’s will start at 6pm on Sunday, November 28.

Tickets, £60 per person - including an arrival drink and three-course meal - are from https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/strictly-maggies-tickets-184947030547 or the centre on 0151 334 4301.

The charity is looking for corporate companies to sponsor the event, if you are interested in supporting the event, please contact sasha.mathias@maggies.org

Maggie’s Wirral relies on voluntary donations to support and grow its high-quality programme of support. The charity’s aim is to make the biggest difference possible to people living with cancer and their family and friends.

For more about Maggie’s Wirral and to see how the Centre supports people living with cancer across Wirral, Cheshire & Merseyside and North Wales, visit the Centre at Clatterbridge or get in touch on 0151 334 4301 or visit https://www.maggies.org/our-centres/maggies-wirral/