NINE amateur dancers have taken part in a Strictly Come Dancing inspired contest for Claire House.

Proud uncle Callum Broad from Wrexham took part in memory of baby Lennon Smouts and lifted the glitterball trophy at this year's charity event hosted at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool.

He was watched by sister Jessica Smouts, whose family was cared for by Claire House when young Lennon was diagnosed with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia six-years-ago.

On September 28, Callum danced a very moving American Smooth Waltz alongside professional dance partner and 2023 champion Samantha Jones.

Baby Lennon with parents Jessica and ChrisBaby Lennon with parents Jessica and Chris (Image: Claire House)
He said: “I chose to do this for Claire House because they’ve supported my family for the last six years.

“Claire House was there throughout the whole journey – the scans, Lennon’s time in hospital, and when he ended up at Claire House.

“They’ve given us so much, so it was time for me to give back. It’s been amazing, from start to finish. I woke up the next morning and wanted to do it all again.”

At the event, Jessica said: "At 20 weeks pregnant, we were given the devastating news our baby Lennon had a rare condition and were given heart-wrenching statistics of the chances of survival.

Claire House does Strictly 2024Claire House does Strictly 2024 (Image: Claire House)

“We eventually visited Claire House, hoping for the best but also preparing for the worst. Walking through the doors of Claire House was the best decision we ever made.

“There were specialist nurse consultants who supported us in processing and understanding Lennon’s diagnosis and play specialists who helped us to engage with Lennon, by reading books to him, playing with sensory light toys, which he loved, and making lifelong memories, alongside lots of personalised memorabilia, which we are now left with to treasure.

“Claire House visited us in hospital every week and very quickly became our lifeline.”

Jessica and LennonJessica and Lennon (Image: Claire House)

Jessica and husband Chris’s baby spent more than six months in Alder Hey before moving to Claire House to say goodbye.

“Claire House listened to everything we wanted,” says Jessica.

“Lennon’s room was filled with his baby clothes, picture frames were filled with our family photos, his bed was filled with his teddies. Claire House even sourced a cot just like the one Lennon had spent his life in.

“We were able to have a Christening service for Lennon, which was just as you imagine a little boy’s beautiful Christening to be."

(Image: Claire House)

Jessica continues: “Lennon passed away in my arms. Claire House held our hand and guided us through a situation we never thought we would find ourselves in.”

“We experienced our full journey with Claire House by our side. Many families are not so fortunate and sometimes navigate the worst times of their lives alone.

“Claire House is a sanctuary for us, and we continue to benefit from so many of their services. I couldn’t imagine where we’d be right now without the love, guidance, care and support they’ve given and continue to give us.”

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The glittering event raised an incredible £72,000 to help seriously ill children and their families like the Smouts.

Rachel Handley, event fundraiser said: “Claire House does Strictly just keeps getting better and better! All our dancers were incredible, and we can't thank them enough for their support and helping to raise such a fantastic amount. 

“The money we raise at events such as Claire House does Strictly ensures the hospice can continue to be here for every local child and family that needs our support.

“It’s not possible to put events like this on without sponsorship from local businesses so we are so grateful to Chester Lodge and ChloBo. We also want to thank Headliners Dance School and their professional dancers, who work so hard to make this come together.”