Knot Events team – Community Group, Charity Champion or Volunteer and Civic Pride nomination

Knot Events team – Community Group, Charity Champion or Volunteer and Civic Pride nomination

Just three years after it was launched by a group of Staffordshire businesswomen, Knot Events CIC has raised more than £200,000 for charities and is on track to raise more than £100,000 at its next large-scale event in November.

Three sports days for businesses, organised by the Knot Events team and staged at University of Staffordshire, have raised more than £30,000 for 10 different charities.

The first Strictly Knot Dancing event, staged at the King’s Hall last November, raised £150,000 for the Dougie Mac, the largest amount ever raised for the hospice through a single event.

Strictly Knot Dancing 2026 is already on track to raise another £100,000 with aspirations to reach last year’s total.

The Knot Events team includes Jenny Johnston from KMF, Hannah Ault DL from Valentine Clay, Josie Morris MBE DL from Woolcool, Fiona Hawkins from Plinkfizz, Sarah Mellor from Beswicks Legal, Tina Holdcroft from Holdcroft Heating, Julie Mirowski from Rydale Roofing, Andrea Heath on behalf of DJH and business strategist Katie Beardmore.

Jenny Johnston said: “The idea for Knot Events came to us after the first University of Staffordshire Business Awards. A few of us were talking afterwards about the need for fundraising events driven by women.

“We started talking about what we could do that’s different to what the men do. We came up with the idea and made it happen.”

David Webster, Chief Executive of the Dougie Mac Hospice, said: “Strictly Knot Dancing has become one of the highlights of our fundraising calendar. Last year’s incredible fundraising total has already helped us continue providing specialist care and support to local people and their families when they need us most. We simply couldn’t achieve this without the dedication of every contestant, sponsor, volunteer and supporter involved.

“I’m delighted to be returning to the judging panel this year and I’m really looking forward to watching our new contestants. There will no doubt be plenty of laughs, a few nerves and some fantastic performances along the way. I wish every contestant the very best of luck… and may the best dancer win!”

The Knot Events Team has been nominated in the Community Group, Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year and Civic Pride categories of the Your Heroes Awards.