A SALSA dance extravaganza is being planned to help boost our Marie Curie Nurses Appeal.

A call is now going out to budding dancers who want to learn the sexy South American dance — and raise much-needed funds at the same time.

The daughter and mother team behind the Olivia V Heyes Dance Club 2000 in Horwich decided to plan the event after reading about the campaign in The Bolton News.

Olivia Heyes, aged 36, of Horwich, runs the dance school and her mother, Renee Heyes, of Halliwell, looks after the children’s stage school.

Her husband, Dennis, aged 61, had surgery for oral cancer 12 months ago and now has regular check-ups.

Mrs Heyes, aged 62, said: “We read about the appeal in the paper and wanted to help.

“My husband was diagnosed with cancer 12 months ago and although he has not needed the services of Marie Curie, it hit home that one day it could be you.

“We helped with the Shall We Dance event, which was a big success, so wanted to do another one, but a totally different event.”

Shall We Dance in June, based on the hit TV reality dance show Strictly Come Dancing, was organised by cancer survivor Jan O’Brien to raise money for The Christie Hospital and the Willow Foundation.

Now the daughter and mother team are hoping to emulate its success for the Marie Curie appeal.

The women are looking for teams of three couples, single or mixed sex, to learn salsa dancing at free weekly sessions, before taking part in a fun competition in October.

They will be sponsored and all the proceeds will go towards Marie Curie Cancer Care’s £200,000 target.

The charity has launched its appeal, backed by The Bolton News, to enable it to provide more free nursing care for terminally ill people in their own homes.

Mrs Heyes said: “This will be a really fun event that people will enjoy, while making money for a good cause. We hope to make at least £3,000.”

To find out more or sign up — you do not have to have a partner — contact Renee Heyes on 07740 151517 or call into the school at 118a Lee Lane, Horwich.

It is hoped an event for children can also be held and anyone interested in this should call into the school on any Monday at 7pm.

To find out more about the Marie Curie Nurses Appeal and how to get involved, visit theboltonnews.co.

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