TOP MARKS FOR CELEBRITIES DANCING WITH HEROES

Stars turn out in force for servicemen at the Back on Track charity ball 

Some of Britain’s most popular celebrities pledged their support for our military heroes at the glittering Dancing with Heroes ball at the Royal Garden Hotel in London last night.

Samantha Janus, Beverley Knight, Andrea Mclean, Nell McAndrew and many others helped to raise over £34,000 for the pioneering charity, Back on Track, which brings the theatre of war to the medical theatre by providing surgical and medical treatment to former servicemen and women who have been disfigured in action.

Guests were treated to a full evening of musical entertainment from leading artists Katie Milton, Claudina Edwards and Harry Cambridge along with Britain’s Got Talent runners-up, Twist and Pulse, who gave an outstanding performance of dancing through time.

The charity, which was founded by leading aesthetics professional, Dr Aamer Khan and his wife Lesley Reynolds of Harley Street Skin, has achieved remarkable results for their reconstructive work particularly in the field of scar tissue reduction for which Dr Khan has won a Soldiering On and Best magazine award.

Speaking on the night, Dr Khan said: “At Back on Track, we work hard to rehabilitate and resettle into society, former members of the armed forces who have been wounded, physically or psychologically, not only by providing medical treatment including reconstructive surgery, but also psychological and practical support.”

Charity ambassador Andrea McLean explained: “Funds raised from this fabulous evening will go towards the continuance of Back on Track’s ground-breaking work to rehabilitate and resettle into society, former members of the armed forces.”

Charity supporter Vicki Michelle added: “British troops are recognised as the best in the world and are true heroes, but even heroes get hurt. Some injuries are psychological, but often limbs are lost or severely damaged, and most wounds cause extensive scarring. Many casualties are young men and women in the prime of their lives whose confidence has been destroyed along with their bodies. Back on Track helps them to lead normal lives again. It’s a small charity that is making a real difference.”

Gary Edwards – winner of 30 Ballroom and Latin World Championships, tipped to replace Len Goodman on Strictly Come Dancing last year, has been teaching dance to the former servicemen supported by Back on Track, said:  “It’s been an honour playing a small part in their recovery.  Knowing that dance can transform lives I involved Arthur Murray Dance Studios to pledge their support to the cause. Dance boosts endorphins, confidence and helps the whole recovery process.

“We really were dancing with heroes tonight, each of us playing a small part in giving our servicemen a brighter future.”

With no official support or funding from elsewhere, Back on Track relies on donations via the dedicated JustGiving page or monies raised from events.