BBC Strictly star Lewis Cope leading the charge for Hartlepool's PFC Trust’s record-breaking ball
Strictly Come Dancing star Lewis Cope is quickstepping back to the region for a glittering charity ball that raises thousands for the community.
Lewis will to trade his sequins for a suit and a serious mission as he supports the Hartlepool-based PFC Trust’s fifth annual Green & Blue Charity Ball next month.
This year, the ball’s glitz and glamour are heading to a grand new stage at Teesside University’s Digital Life building on Saturday, April 18.
Lewis will be joined by his Strictly professional dance partner Katya Jones plus England and Liverpool legend John Barnes, a long-time supporter, and Hartlepool’s former world boxing champion Savannah Marshall.
And having raised over £100,000 at every ball so far, the team is looking to break through the event’s half-a-million-pound barrier this year.
“I am super excited for The PFC Trust ball on April 18,” said Lewis. “I am just so pleased to be on board and would love to see more people join me in supporting such an amazing charity that does fantastic things for local people and organisations across the region.
“It means the world to me to come back home and show my dance partner, Katya, all about The PFC Trust’s work. I’ve told her so much about the passion people here have for their community, and I can’t wait for her to see it first hand.
“It’s going to be a brilliant night for a cause that really does change lives.”
The move to the larger Teesside University venue follows four sell-out years at Hartlepool College of Further Education and reflects the event’s growth.
Founder Frances Connolly, who established the trust to strengthen the community, said: “This is a spectacular evening in support of our mission to help local people.
“It is set to be an unforgettable celebration of community, impact and generosity.
“The fact that we are on the verge of raising half a million pounds in total is a testament to the incredible spirit of our supporters. It’s a chance to host clients while directly contributing to life-changing projects.”
The night will feature a three-course dinner, live entertainment from local performers and live and silent auctions where guests can bid for exclusive prizes.
With the event is almost sold out, enquiries about securing a table can be made via www.thepfctrust.org/event-details/the-annual-green-blue-ball-2026