A retired detective chief inspector who had never danced before in his life is currently preparing to take part in a fundraising Strictly Come Dancing-style event in memory of a former colleague’s young daughter.
Former Federation member Ash Farrington will be taking part in a dance competition on Saturday 27 August to help raise money for the Magic of Milly charity.
The Magic of Milly was set up in 2016 by Staffordshire Sergeant Emma Hill in memory of her daughter, who died in 2015 the night before her second birthday as a result of post-operative complications for her rare congenital condition.
“When Emma asked me if I would take part in ‘Strictly for Milly’, every fibre in my body wanted to say no, yet my mouth said yes and that’s because you can’t help but be totally inspired by Emma,” says 49-year-old Ash, who retired from the Force in February following 30 years of service.
“It really is an honour to be involved. Emma has been through an unspeakable tragedy but, despite this, she manages to keep Milly’s memory alive. And now, Milly’s legacy is helping so many other children. Inspirational Milly, inspirational Emma, they are what made me get on that dance floor.”
Although Ash admits training for the waltz was far from how he imagined he would be spending the first few months of retirement, he says he has discovered a newfound passion for dancing.
“That first training session was really difficult. I’ve basically needed to learn a whole new skill,” he said.
“I’ve got an amazing teacher and her passion seems to have rubbed off on me. I now have a real, unexpected love for dancing. I never thought that would happen.”
Training began at the beginning of June, with a total of eight competitors and their dance partners set to perform in front of an audience on the night of the event, as well as a panel of judges which includes former Strictly Come Dancing professional Kristina Rihanoff.
“I’m really scared about that final performance but I know it will be well worth it to help raise money for the cause,” added Ash.
“I will be going full Strictly on the night, there will be a lot of spray tan and sequins, I think it’ll come as a huge surprise for some of my former colleagues. And I have two sons, aged 14 and 18, and I’m not going to lie, I know it’s going to be a massive cringe moment for them.”
Fellow competitor, Police Federation member Cat Deeming, a serving officer and good friend of Emma’s, is also gearing up for the event.
“The strength Emma has shown and continues to show is incredible. She is incredible and very inspirational. If I can help the Magic of Milly in any way, I will do it,” says 32-year-old Cat, who joined the Force 14 years ago.
“It is a huge honour to be taking part in the Strictly for Milly and I will be giving it my all.”
Cat, who admits the last time she pulled on a pair of dance shoes was back when she was 14, says training has been a challenge.
“It seems dancing isn’t quite as easy as it used to be, now I’m a bit older,” she added. “But it’s great to be back dancing again.
“And I will be giving all the Strictly vibes, including hair extensions, fake eyelashes - I’m going all out, I think people who know me will get quite the shock.”
Since launching the Magic of Milly, Emma has helped raise more than £140,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital. This money has contributed to training staff, so when a child dies the intensive care team is able to create a memory package for them.
Emma said: “As a parent, when your child dies, you literally lose everything, it’s the worse thing that could ever happen. The handprints are something these parents can take home and treasure forever.”
The funds have also helped pay for a £16,000 piece of machinery for the ward that monitors brain activity when a child is very poorly.
“For us, when Milly was poorly, it was a very dark time but we knew her brain was still OK, and that was thanks to that piece of machinery. At the time, there were only one of those machines available, so being able to supply another one really will make a huge difference,” Emma added.
“We also buy essential toiletries for parents who are staying on the ward with their child, and we buy Secret Santa gifts for the kids at Christmas.”
Emma is hoping the Strictly for Milly event will help the charity reach its next fundraising goal of £250,000.
“It means the world to me that so many people continue to support the Magic of Milly,” said Emma, adding: “I want to do as much as we can, to raise as much money as we can, and keep Milly’s memory alive.”
Tickets for the event cost £30. Buy your ticket here or by emailing themagicofmilly@gmail.com
