29.06.2026
Blackpool dad John Shakespeare is set to take on an incredible day-long dance challenge this weekend to raise money for Brian House Children’s Hospice, inspired by the care he witnesses first-hand.
John, 38, will spend nine hours dancing at his workplace, Curry’s in Blackpool, as part of Brian House’s Hospice Corporate Challenge.
The challenge is deeply personal to him, as Brian House has supported his partner, Becky Ryan, and her daughter Emily since Emily was very young.
Emily, 14, has complex medical needs and relies on specialist care. Brian House has become a lifeline for the family.
Becky said: “Brian House has been there for Emily since she was little. It’s somewhere she feels safe, happy, and truly cared for.
When Emily stays at Brian House, I can just be Becky again, not her mum, nurse, physiotherapist and everything else she needs 24 hours a day. That time is invaluable.”
Despite the challenges she faces, Emily’s personality shines through.
“She has the biggest smile and such a cheeky sense of humour,” Becky added.
“She really does live her best life, and her happiness is infectious.”
Now, John, who is dad to Harrison, is determined to give back.
This is not his first fundraising effort. He has already completed the dance challenge as part of Curry’s Corporate Challenge four times and last year represented the company at the Challenge’s celebration lunch where Curry’s was awarded third place. He declared then that he would dance again in an effort to raise more.
Becky said: “Brian House makes the world of difference to us. I genuinely don’t know what I’d do without them. For John, this is his way of giving something back and helping make sure other families can get the same support. Plus my sister also works for another company that’s taking part in the Hospice Corporate Challenge, so there’s some healthy competition there.”
The nine-hour dance-a-thon will take place at Curry’s Blackpool on Saturday (27th June 2026) from 9am-6pm, with colleagues and customers encouraged to get involved, donate and show their support throughout the day.
Brian House Children’s Hospice provides specialist care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions across the Fylde coast, offering care during the day and overnight, end-of-life care and emotional support for families.
The hospice relies heavily on charitable support to continue its work, as only a small proportion of its funding comes from the government. It is in the terrible position of being the second-least funded children’s hospice in the UK, receiving just 11% of dedicated funding for Brian House from the state.
Every pound raised through challenges like John’s helps ensure that more children like Emily can smile, play and make precious memories with their families.
To support John and make a donation, visit his online fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/page/john-shakespeare-1778088319312
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