Residents, colleagues, friends and family at OSJCT’s Marston Court enjoyed a trip back to the 80s during a five-hour danceathon, raising over £200 for the home’s amenities fund. Embracing the social media trend of creating 80s versions of themselves, everyone got involved with retro outfits, props and plenty of music. It was a wonderful reminder that age is no barrier when it comes to music and dancing, and everyone loves a good beat!

The money raised will help fund new and exciting experiences for residents, including days out and special events in and around the home.

The danceathon ran from midday until 5pm, with Care Leader Diane taking on DJ duties for much of the afternoon to keep everyone on their feet. Activity Coordinator Sarah went the extra mile by donning her roller skates and whizzing around the dance floor, keeping spirits high and bringing smiles to everyone’s faces.

Sharon Fenn, Home Manager at Marston Court, said: “It was lovely to see residents, colleagues and families all coming together, enjoying themselves and making memories. Music brings people together in such a natural way, and it was fantastic to see everyone joining in, having a dance and sharing a laugh. We’re delighted to have raised over £200 for our amenities fund, which will help us continue to provide enjoyable experiences for our residents.”

There was a special moment when Cliff Richard’s Wired for Sound came on, one of Sharon’s all-time favourite songs. Another highlight saw everyone joining in with the Cha Cha Slide, with Emily, the daughter of Sharon, leading the way.

Resident Carol was the first to arrive at the danceathon and was impressed by the scene that greeted her.
She said: “Wow, it looks amazing! It reminds me of when we went to the nightclubs in the 80s!”

Care colleague Gigi brought in extra clothes and props for everyone to share, and Carol chose a special ‘I Love the 80s’ T-shirt. She enjoyed the afternoon so much that she was already looking forward to the next one, asking if they could hold a danceathon every weekend.

There was plenty of food to keep everyone going throughout the afternoon, too. Care Leader Ama prepared homemade onion rings fresh in the kitchen, alongside pizzas and other tasty nibbles, ensuring everyone had the energy to keep dancing.

The event was also a chance for families to spend quality time with their loved ones and join in the celebrations. Clare, whose mum lives at Marston Court, attended the danceathon and shared her appreciation for the team.
She said: “Absolutely fantastic afternoon, Mum and I really enjoyed ourselves. You are all truly amazing.”

The money raised will help Marston Court continue to provide enjoyable activities and memorable experiences for residents. The danceathon was a brilliant example of how a shared love of music can bring residents, colleagues and families together, creating an afternoon full of laughter, connection and memories.