An Inverness military wife is one of several hoping to cha-cha her way to victory next month as she takes to the stage for Poppyscotland’s Come Dancing competition.
Claire Bellshaw, 29, is one of eight competitors taking part in the one night event next month and is working night and day to perfect both dance moves.
The event is the first of its kind for the charity, which provides life-changing support to veterans, their families and the loved ones of serving servicemen and women at times of crisis and need.
With just one month to go until the competition begins, she has raised £500 for the charity; a figure she is hoping to double.
Mrs Bellshaw said: “I love dancing. Poppyscotland is an absolutely fantastic charity and the fact Come Dancing is like Strictly, I have always watched Strictly Come Dancing and thought I would love to try that.
“It’s really hard; it’s a lot harder than I thought it would be but its good fun. I feel like I am playing catch up as everyone has had six weeks practice on top of what I have had but so far it’s going really well. Toe2Toe Dance have been absolutely fantastic giving us tuition every week as well as having extra practice with my dance partner Craig Beveridge.”
With her husband Mark currently serving with 3 SCOTS, Mrs Bellshaw wants to use the platform to raise awareness of the service the charity provides to thousands across the country.
She added: “Obviously my husband is a serving soldier and Poppyscotland helps veterans and their families all year through and throughout the Poppy Appeal. Poppyscotland is there for people to fall back on during their lives. For me it’s about getting that awareness across to people. It’s a charity that we could fall back on in our lives if we need them. I want people to be aware of the work they do during the appeal and throughout the year.”
