Essex & Herts Air Ambulance's (EHAAT) popular fundraiser Strictly Air Ambulance was back for its 12th year on Saturday 9 March, returning to the Brentwood Centre where it all began.

It was a captivating evening of talent, glamour and generosity as five local charity supporters and their dance professional partners competed to win the glitterball trophy. Presiding over the ballroom and Latin routines were a panel of judges including BBC Strictly Come Dancing regulars Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington, along with EHAAT CEO Jane Gurney, pro Latin dancer Ben Milan-Vega and head judge Phil Meacham of Chelmsford Dance Centre.

Sponsored by Birkett Long Solicitors and Rig Equipment Ltd, the show saw the couples each perform elegant, elaborate, and vibrant ballroom and Latin routines, cheered on by an 800-strong audience. Nadiya and Kai also took to the floor wowing the crowd with two show-stopping performances.

"It was incredible to be a part of such a great event and to see so many people come together to support the charity," Nadiya said.

"It was fun to judge and fun to dance, and both Kai and I used to compete on this dancefloor, so it brought back lots of memories!"

The couples under the judges' scrutiny on the night made plenty of their own memories, too. Laura Bannister from South Woodham Ferrers, Kerrie Barker from Colchester, Steve Drew from Rochford, Sarah Ridge from Leigh-on-Sea and Richard Willis from Billericay twirled and glided across the dancefloor with their professional partners to raise vital funds for their local life-saving charity.

For the second year running, TV and radio presenter, and EHAAT Celebrity Ambassador Lisa Snowdon brought extra sparkle to the show, co-hosting with ITV presenter David Whiteley.

Lisa said: "Strictly Air Ambulance is such a fun evening to be a part of. The contestants, professional dancers, judges and of course the brilliant Nadiya and Kai along with the audience were amazing. What a great atmosphere, with 800 in the audience encouraging everyone who took to the dance floor!

"I love hosting this event with David, and I'm delighted that as an ambassador for the charity I can help in this way."

After a close contest with a very high-level of dancing from all couples, Sarah and her partner Hayden eventually won the judges' votes and the title of Strictly Air Ambulance Champions 2024. They proudly lifted the glitterball trophy.

Sarah, who is the founder of the Sisterhood Networking Group, stepped up to dance with open amateur competitor Hayden Wise from Dancematic just six weeks before the big night after his original partner dropped out for personal reasons.

Winning contestant Sarah said: "It's always been my dream to do Strictly, and so to have won tonight – I'm over the moon! We had so much fun on the dancefloor and once the crowd got behind us my nerves disappeared, and we just went for it!

"A big thank you to Hayden for being such a fantastic teacher. I'm so pleased that I was able to be a part of this fabulous event, supporting such a great cause. If anyone is thinking of giving it go next year, I say do it! It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Jane Gurney, EHAAT's CEO, opened the show dancing with pro-Latin dancer and fellow judge Ben Milan-Vega. Jane said: "Many congratulations to Sarah and Hayden, and to all our contestants and celebrity dancers for a wonderful evening of entertainment. 

"We've not only witnessed stunning performances but also seen once again how important this vital life-saving service is to the communities of Essex and Hertfordshire. Our thanks go to all the generous people who supported this spectacular event, from contestants and sponsors to those who bought tickets or donated prizes.

"Each and everyone, including our hosts David and Lisa, helped raise more than £40,000 which enabled us to put on this fantastic event and support your local life-saving charity."

Speaking about EHAAT's work, Nadiya said: "What the team does is very special and it was amazing to hear the stories and meet some of the crew. It was a wonderful evening and such a pleasure to be part of it."

Tickets for Strictly Air Ambulance 2025, taking place on Saturday 15 March, are now on sale at www.ehaat.org/strictly and for a limited time only are available at an early-bird discounted rate.

To find out more about other events or to donate, visit EHAAT's main website.