AFTER weeks of practice and getting into the jiving spirit, Winston’s Wish is delighted that Cheltenham’s keen dancers have raised a fabulous £1109 for the childhood bereavement charity – and smashed a world record in the process.

Despite the downpours on Sunday morning, 1043 dancers took to the Prom undeterred to participate in the mass jive, organised by Cheltenham Town Hall. This number of people jiving simultaneously in one venue means that Cheltenham’s wet and wonderful congregation are expected to dance their way into the record books.

Liz Thatcher, Fundraiser at Winston’s Wish, describes the atmosphere at the jive: “The atmosphere completely changed as the jive kicked off! Those who were cold, wet and miserable changed into merry singing, dancing, laughing jivers. It looked great with all the different colours of the umbrellas; it really was a wonderful community event”.

The amount raised at the jive could cover the cost of three children attending the Winston’s Wish Outward Bound programme. The Outward Bound teenage groups combine challenging outdoor activities, team work and opportunities to talk and think about bereavement experiences with other teenagers. The programme of activities and small group work were created to empower, challenge and motivate, and to help teenagers in living with their bereavement.

£1,000 is also enough money to enable Winston’s Wish to deliver a training session to 20 professionals, who in turn would work with and support many more bereaved children.

Winston’s Wish would like to thank Cheltenham Town Hall for the opportunity – and of course to each and every jiver who donated so generously to the bucket collectors and Winston Bear.

Winston’s Wish helps children rebuild their lives after the death of a parent, brother or sister, enabling them to face the future with confidence and hope. Professional therapeutic help is provided in individual, group and residential settings, and via a national Helpline, interactive website and publications. The charity depends almost entirely on voluntary donations for its income.