Forest Holme dances its way to national award

Monday 6th Jul 2026

Forest Holme Hospice Charity is celebrating after winning a prestigious national Emma Award for Special Event of the Year, recognising the outstanding success of its much-loved Strictly Extravaganza fundraiser.

The award was presented at a ceremony in London, celebrating excellence in charity events across the UK and recognising the charities, event professionals and suppliers who create memorable fundraising experiences.

In a category featuring some of the country’s biggest charities, including Save the Children and Marie Curie, Forest Holme Hospice Charity was named the winner, making the achievement even more remarkable for the local hospice charity.

Representing the charity at the awards were Sara Fripp, Fundraising Manager, and Tiff Watson, one of the contestants from the 2025 Strictly Extravaganza, who proudly accepted the award on behalf of everyone involved in making the event such a success.

Forest Holme’s 2025 Strictly Extravaganza saw ten local amateur contestants swap everyday life for the dancefloor, performing in front of a packed audience at Lighthouse, Poole. The spectacular evening raised an incredible £80,000 to help fund compassionate care for local people living with life limiting illnesses and support for their families.

Paul Tucker, Communications Manager at Forest Holme Hospice Charity, said, “To receive national recognition for Strictly Extravaganza is incredibly special. This award belongs to every single person who played a part in making the event such an outstanding success.”