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We’re so proud to announce this year’s Strictly Seashell is already set to be bigger and better than ever – and for the first time ever will see one of our students taking to the stage.
It’s always been important to us to make students a part of everything we do, in previous years they’ve performed in the choir and helped out behind the scenes. But this year, Max from our Royal College Manchester will be under the spotlight as a Strictly contestant.
He is one of nine dancers taking part in this year’s event, which will be hosted by Seashell supporter and TV presenter Gethin Jones. The other dancers competing against Max for the coveted first place will be Anthony Prophet, Michelle Davenport, Sarah Restrick, Craig Barclay, Hayley Showman, Jess Edge, Herbie Hursthouse and Paula Gaddum. Our guest judges for the evening will be Neil Jones, Dr Ranj, Dr Punam and Miss Andrea.
Each dancer has a VT which will introduce them on the night before they come out and perform on stage. As a special glimpse behind the scenes, we’re sharing Max’s VT here…
Max told us: “I’m looking forward to taking part in Strictly Seashell because I want to raise some money for the new college building.”
His parents Andrew and Paula are so proud of Max learning his dance and taking part in the show. However, they do admit they were nervous about him taking part and will probably be on the edge of their seats at the event, which this year is Saturday, 17th May at Hilton Deansgate. Paula said: “When I first heard I was a bit nervous about whether he’d be able to do the dancing or not, but as soon as Max was told about it he was just so excited and he’s talked about nothing else for the past few months.”
Dad Andrew added: “Max being at Seashell has opened so many doors. We could talk for hours about the number of opportunities he’s had at Seashell. And Strictly Seashell is just another brilliant one because it’s so good for his self-esteem and confidence. We’re just so proud of him.”
Max is one of our Student Ambassadors, who lives part time at Seashell as part of his college placement. When he joined Seashell, his parents told us he was socially isolated and found making friends nearly impossible. Due to his chromosomal condition, Smith Magenis Syndrome, he was very dependent on the support of adults and found going outside a challenge.
Benefitting from guidance from his college tutors, and the additional support he receives as a residential student, Max has now taken on work experience placements where he is developing key skills and behaviours needed to make his ambitions for the future a reality.
Paula added: “He now happily takes part in a range of activities – he really is living his best life.”
All dancers taking part in Strictly Seashell are asked to raise money. As one of our biggest fundraising events of the year, events like this help us do even more for the children and young people at Seashell. If you can donate please visit Max’s JustGiving Page on the link below.