GUESTS came together to raise over £17,000 on an emotional night filled with love, kindness and care as they celebrated the very 1st Alice’s WonderDance Gala. 

The funds raised will go directly to the Alice’s WonderDance Foundation to support their grant programme and help create more opportunities through the cause.

The Foundation was established by Sergio and Alexandra Aguiar in loving memory of their daughter, Alice, aged 9. 

Beautifully organised by Jinnie Payne, the Alice’s WonderDance Gala evening brought together so many wonderful people, all united by an incredible cause at The Grand in Southport.

Sergio and Alexandra Aguiar said:- “The night was hosted by TV presenter Stuart Holdham, with unforgettable performances from main singers Ray Quinn and Lucas Watt. We were also treated to 2 beautiful solo performances from talented singers from Tarleton High School before dinner. A stunning opening dance performance was delivered by a group of girls from Endeavour Learning Trust, setting the tone for a truly special evening. Thanks to the amazing generosity of local businesses, we had over 100 prizes donated for our raffles, envelope draw, silent auction and live auction — including 10 silent auction items and 12 live auction items."

Some of the incredible prizes included on the envelopes draw:-

  • An 18ct necklace with natural diamonds from Shaw Jewellery, worth almost £3,000
  • A luxury spa day for two with lunch at Grantley Hall, 1 of Yorkshire’s most prestigious hotels
  • An Edinburgh City break for 2
  • Dinner for 2 at The Barn at Moor Hall
  • A CR Aesthetics voucher
  • An Everton shirt signed by Jarrad Branthwaite


Sergio and Alexandra Aguiar  continued:- “We were also incredibly touched to receive a beautiful video message of love and support from Paralympic champion and the world’s fastest leg amputee, Richard Whitehead. Although he couldn’t join us in person as he was in New York, he shared his support, kindness and how inspired he feels by our cause. Between courses, the very talented Eden Barbé and his performance partner entertained everyone with 2 amazing performances. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the night so magical:-

Photography:- Ian Lawson
Videography:- Cerys Catterall
Moonlight Production
Decoration:- Enhance Event
A Little Bit Printed
Fab Party Bags
Replica Print
Local companies provided their services for the Gala

“From the performers, volunteers, businesses, guests and every single person who donated, attended or supported us,  thank you for filling the room with love and helping make Alice’s WonderDance 1st Gala a night we will never forget. Together, we raised an incredible £17,548.19 in profit, which will go directly to the Alice’s WonderDance Foundation to support our grant programme and help create more opportunities through our cause. A night full of kindness, generosity and love , and the beginning of something truly special.”

To learn more about the Alice’s WonderDance Foundation, visit this website.