Martin House Hospice welcome couple to Strictly Get Dancing

Zoe and Paul Bojelian, of York, will compete in the Boston Spa-based facility’s version of the show – Strictly Get Dancing – which takes place in March at Aspire in Leeds.

They are taking part in memory of their son Adam, who died at the hospice aged 15 in 2015.

Adam, who had cerebral palsy and other complex health needs, communicated by blinking with the aid of computer software.

His disabilities didn’t stop him from becoming an accomplished poet, with accolades including a Brit Writers Award, Young Scot Arts Award and a Gold Blue Peter badge.

He also spoke at the Scottish Parliament, performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and received multiple commissions, including to write a lullaby to celebrate the birth of Prince George and a poem on NHS leadership.

Following his death Zoe and Paul set up the Adam Bojelian Foundation CIC (AdsFoundation) to provide education and training to health professionals in law and ethics, and which organises a memorial lecture in Adam’s name each year.

Zoe said: “Adam packed a lot into a short time, and it was extraordinary the way he connected with people.”

But it was his love of Strictly Come Dancing which has now inspired Zoe and Paul to take to the dance floor in his name.

Zoe added: “Adam was a huge Strictly Come Dancing fan, he loved watching it and always had a favourite he supported each series.

“When he was in hospital for a long time, it was often during winter due to respiratory infections, and that’s when Strictly was on, so it became something to look forward to.”

Zoe and Paul have started rehearsals to learn the foxtrot, cha cha cha and Argentine tango in the run up to Strictly Get Dancing, which takes place on Saturday March 12.

Zoe said: “It’s very much out of our comfort zone – we wouldn’t be first on the dance floor – but I’m quite excited about it.

“The thought of learning to dance, even at a basic level and to be doing something joyful will be a nice thing, and doing something joyful that benefits others makes it particularly special.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, we’ll always remember it for the right reasons. Adam was someone who lived life to the full, so it feels like an appropriate thing, and a fun thing.”

You can support Zoe and Paul by donating to their Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/strictly4ads.

There are still places available. Contact Nikki Denton at [email protected] to find out more. Tickets to watch the show are on sale at www.martinhouse.org.uk/StrictlyTickets.