The General Manager of Emily’s restaurant in Formby will dedicate his dance at the Strictly event in Southport this weekend to the Dad of one of his best friends.
Freddie Johnson was inspired to sign up for the iconic fundraising event at the Prince Of Wales Hotel by the “amazing dignity, care and compassion” given to local support worker Stephen Barry at the hospice during his final days.
Stephen is the Dad of Liv, one of Freddie’s closest friends.
He will be aiming to raise as much money as he can for Queenscourt as he dances the Cha Cha with pro dance partner Keeley Leach.
You can sponsor him by texting FREDDIEJOHNSON to 70085 or visit: Freddie Johnson is fundraising for Queenscourt Hospice
He said: “Stephen sadly got his cancer diagnosis a couple of years ago.
“He went downhill quite quickly after that.
“He received amazing levels of dignity, care and compassion when he was in Queenscourt Hospice.
“That is one of the reasons I have got so much love for Queenscourt and what they do and why I will be dancing on Saturday.
“When I do, I will be dancing for Stephen, for Liv, and for their whole family.
“Stephen loved his family so much. He dedicated his life to supporting them.
“Towards the end of his life, Liv spent so much of her time with him when he needed her.”
Freddie works with Rebel Restaurants, which has three venues across the North West – the Brunch and Cocktail Club in Liverpool, Emily’s in Formby and Penelope’s in Southport.
He has been serving as the Assistant General Manager at Penelope’s in Southport before recently being promoted to take over as General Manager at Emily’s in Formby.
He said: “It’s such a gorgeous venue! Emily’s now has its Christmas decorations up, so it is looking stunning. Everyone should come and visit.
“It has been a very busy couple of weeks for me! Getting my new job, getting everything ready for Christmas, while also doing dance rehearsals, fundraising and preparing for Strictly has been hectic!
“It is all for such a fantastic cause, so it has been worth every minute.
“I am definitely not a dancer so all this has been new to me.
“Am originally from Berkshire and studied for a Drama Degree at Edge Hill University in Ormskirk. I loved it up here so much that I stayed.
“I worked in a couple of bars in Southport and then worked at Hickory’s in Southport before moving to Penelope’s.
“While I have a Degree in Drama, my skills and experience were very much in an acting capacity rather than a dancing capacity.
“I am looking forward to it though! I’m really thankful to everyone who has donated and backed me.”
Strictly Queenscourt returns for its third dazzling year on Saturday 15th November 2025.
After two unforgettable sell-out events, the event is back with even more sparkle, sequins, and show-stopping moves!
This year’s glittering line-up features 12 courageous contestants, each paired with a professional dancer, a panel of fabulous judges, two sensational hosts, and a night full of entertainment – all in support of Queenscourt Hospice.
Queenscourt Hospice is delighted to return to the stunning Prince of Wales Hotel for what promises to be another spectacular evening of fundraising and fun.
Each contestant is aiming to raise a minimum of £1,500 in sponsorship, so please dig deep and support their incredible efforts.
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