Strictly star Vincent Simone will dance in Belfast to support stroke survivors

Vincent Simone, World champion dancer and star of TV’s Strictly Come Dancing, will be dancing with partner Victoria Martin at a charity ball in aid for the Stroke Association in Belfast on Saturday (27 April).

Victoria, a professional dancer from Newtownards whose career almost ended when she had a stroke, invited Vincent to headline with her at the Ceroc Ignite Spring Ball at the Titanic Hotel and he was delighted to accept.

Victoria’s stroke in July 2020 was caused by a hole in the heart. Thankfully her stroke symptoms were quickly spotted and an ambulance was called. She had an operation to close the hole in her heart and was able to make a remarkable recovery from her stroke and resume her career.

Victoria said she was thrilled to be dancing with Vincent, who she’s partnered in the hugely popular Tango Passions tour, to raise awareness of stroke and funds for the Stroke Association, a charity which supports stroke survivors.

Victoria said: “This will be an absolutely amazing night and we’re so looking forward to performing for such an enthusiastic dance audience here in Belfast. Let’s hope we can raise lots of money for the Stroke Association.”

As well as the special guest appearance by Vincent and Victoria, the fundraising ball features top quality DJs and audience members can themselves enjoy hours of freestyle dancing. A small number of tickets are available, price £39 pp, from www.Cerocigniteshop.com

Rob Fearnett, one of Ceroc Ignite’s owners, said everyone at the dance school was thrilled to be supporting the Stroke Association.

“It’s not unusual to experience some form of illness or injury in our lives and most of us enjoy good recovery levels,” said Rob. “For stroke survivors however, the recovery road back can seem a very long one indeed.

“This is exactly why Ceroc as a national dance organisation, and Ceroc Ignite in NI, have chosen to partner the Stroke Association this year.

“Many people enjoy dancing for its health benefits. A weekly dance class turns the effort of exercise into fun, provides friendship as motivation and teaches fabulous motor and coordination skills all under the heading of ‘I’m having a great time!”

The Spring Ball has been sponsored by the Kingsbridge Foundation, which was set up by the Kingsbridge Healthcare Group, to raise money for the community through charitable work, fundraising and local initiatives.

Since launching in 2022, the Foundation has raised over £400,000 for local charities and was set up to mark the 10-year anniversary of the group’s first private hospital in Belfast.

Now with private hospitals located in both Belfast and the North West, they strive to support charities across Northern Ireland.