One of Southport’s most community-minded business leaders is determined to waltz her way to success in this year’s Strictly fundraiser for Queenscourt Hospice.
Serena Silcock-Prince, the Head of Operations for Silcock Leisure Group and a 2024 Merseyside Women Of The Year Finalist, is looking forward to taking to the dance floor at the Prince Of Wales Hotel for the glittering event this November.
Silcock Leisure Group has long been a supporter of Queenscourt Hospice, mainly through hosting and sponsoring the charity’s annual Southport Santa Sprint for the past 16 years.
Serena is also President of the Southport Royal British Legion; a Trustee of the GABA Foundation; was a headline speaker at the International Women’s Day event in Southport for Queenscourt Hospice earlier this year; is one of the driving forces supporting The Friends Of Kings Gardens; a member of the Southport Town Improvement Group; organised a Southport Heritage Open Days event in September; and is the co-founder of the Southport Life business networking group.
That’s all in addition to running some of the most successful attractions in Southport, including Silcock’s Funland, Silcock’s Carousel and Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant.
A real champion for Southport, she was also a determined campaigner for the restoration and reopening of Southport Pier, which recently earned up to £20 million in Government funding to happen.
She leads a busy life – but supporting Queenscourt Hospice has always remained one of her top priorities.
You can donate via her JustGiving page here: Serena Silcock-Prince is fundraising for Queenscourt Hospice
Serena Silcock-Prince said: “I was invited as a guest to see the Strictly Queenscourt event at the Prince Of Wales Hotel last year.
“It was absolutely incredible – a brilliant event, so enjoyable to watch.
“The ballroom at the Prince Of Wales has been transformed through some substantial investment and it looked fantastic. It’s the perfect setting for a spectacular Strictly showcase like this.
“With Moonlight Events lighting it all up, the room looked stunning.
“Queenscourt Hospice does such a great job in bringing everyone together for this event.
“As a local family-run business very much invested in our local community, we have long been huge supporters of Queenscourt.
“Silcock Leisure Group has sponsored and hosted the annual Southport Santa Sprint organised by Queenscourt Hospice for the past 16 years, and we’re delighted to be sponsoring and hosting this event once again this year.
“When I was watching Strictly last year, Queenscourt’s amazing Fundraising Manager Liz Hartley asked if I would like to take part this year and I thought – ‘why not’? I thought ‘it’s now or never!’
“I have no dancing experience at all! With the possible exception of doing ballet when I was four years old, or a little bit of zumba, or freestyling on a dancefloor, my knowledge and ability in dancing is very limited.
“On my first Strictly training session with Kaz Leach, I was pretty awful!
“But over the past few weeks, Kaz, and Steve, from Marshside School of Dance, have been very patient and have helped me so much. Everyone has been so supportive.
“I’m always keen to support local businesses, so I have commissioned the very talented Charlotte from Design by Gavriela at Wayfarers Arcade in Southport to design my dress.
“She has been fantastic, very creative in designing the perfect dress to match the dance and the occasion.
“I am really looking forward to the evening.
“I will be dancing a waltz. I’ve got no chance of winning, but I am determined to do all I can to try and raise as much money and awareness as I can for Queenscourt Hospice. It’s such an amazing charity which provides so much care for local families.
“I am really grateful to everyone who has sponsored me so far.
“At the moment, I am doing dance lessons during my breaks at work.
“When I do them I find them really uplifting, I feel on top of the world. They’re so much fun.
“I have enjoyed meeting all the other dancers and contestants, it’s going to be such an enjoyable and memorable evening.
“I have various family members and friends coming to support me on the night. I want to put on a good show for them.
“I am going to keep fundraising – and keep dancing!”
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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