THE STARS TURN OUT IN FORCE FOR OUR WOUNDED HEROES

Britain’s favourite celebrities support Dancing with Heroes ball in aid of charity Back on Track

Some of Britain’s most popular celebrities pledged their support to our military heroes by attending this year’s glittering Dancing with Heroes ball at the Landmark Hotel in Marylebone on Saturday 26th November in aid of Back on Track Back on Track | Rehabilitation. Treatment. Resettlement. Support.

Stephanie Beacham (Dynasty), Beverley Callard (Coronation Street), Christian Vit (Game of Thrones & Doctors), Sherrie Hewson (Benidorm), Vicki Michelle (Allo Allo), Katherine Kelly (Mr. Selfridge & Coronation Street), Glynis Barber (Hollyoaks) and Michael Brandon (Demsey & Makepeace), were just some of the celebrities who helped to raise much needed funds for the pioneering charity Back on Track which offers surgical and medical treatment to former servicemen and women who have been disfigured in action.  

Some of the nation’s most talented contemporary artists also joined in to offer up their paintings in an art exhibition staged by Artistic. This included the work of internationally renowned Mason Storm (touted as the infamous guerilla artist, Banksy) who was in attendance in his trademark mask.

He was joined by PEZ, Sara Pope and Loz Atkinson, each known for bold and provocative art which often strikes to the heart of Britain’s most pressing social and political issues. 

Back on Track was founded by Dr Aamer Khan and his wife Lesley Reynolds of the famous Harley Street Skin clinic. Dr Khan has won a Soldiering On Award for his work in tissue reconstruction, changing the lives of the many wounded veterans he has treated.

Following an emotional opening featuring Chelsea Pensioners singing the National Anthem, accompanied by the opera singer Friederike Krum, a turn from comedy legend Mike Osman as Donald Trump was a riotous success.

This was followed by stunning performances by professional dancers Robin Windsor and Joanne Clifton who formerly appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, and singer Raquel Reno who showed off her rich soul voice and compositions.  Until now Raquel has been better known for her relationship with the celebrated Pimlico Plumber Charlie Mullins. However her star is clearly in the ascendancy, as having performed in China and Abu Dhabi for years, Raquel has recently returned from Nashville where she recorded her forthcoming debut album.

She said: ‘I always get a buzz stepping on stage. But it was particularly special on Saturday night because I was performing at an extraordinary event for a noble cause that really touches my heart.’

Later a trip back to the 80’s proved a huge hit. With a remarkable career spanning over three decades and record sales in excess of 30 million, Leee John, the unmistakable soul stirring lead vocalist from 80’s soul funk group Imagination performed his timeless classic hit songs. This was preceded by TV personality and Simon Cowell’s very first international recording artist, Sinitta who filled the dance floor with hits such as “So Macho,” and “Right Back Where We Started From.”

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when the beneficiaries of this fantastic charity, injured servicemen and women, stood up to take a bow.

Despite the chill outside, the warmth of friendship bloomed inside, with several celebrities only too aware of how important this charity is.

Charity patrons former Coronation Street star Beverley Callard and husband Jonathan McEwan who were there on the night said: ‘Jon and I are thrilled to be patrons of this incredible charity. Having served in the Queens Regiment including a tour of Northern Ireland Jon is fully aware of the need for a charity like Back on Track. Having a son who served in the Grenadier Guards, including a tour of Afghanistan, makes it very personal for us both. 

‘I am so impressed by the work of Back on Track. The charity treats not just the physical injuries of former servicemen who have been burned or disfigured, but helps them get their lives back after PTSD and other issues. It is pioneering and invaluable work.’

One of the loudest standing ovations of the night was for the charity’s founders Dr Khan and Lesley Reynolds, whose tireless support for injured service personnel continues to mend what has been broken.