A BASINGSTOKE woman has been fundraising in aid of a charity supporting mental and physical health through dance ahead of a national competition. 

Amy Sanders, a senior biomedical scientist at Frimley Park Hospital, used her passion for powerlifting to deadlift 10,000kg on New Year's Eve.

So far, Amy has raised just under £900, but hopes to raise more ahead of competing in dance competition, Dance Floor Heroes. 

Dance Floor Heroes is aiming to raise £50,000 for Tias Crown, a charity which provides support for mental and physical wellbeing through dance, so more people can experience the positive benefits that come along with dancing and exercise. It also offers community grants to projects that support mental health.

READ MORE: Plumbase in Basingstoke raises more £1,000 for St Michael's Hospice

The competition will be live-streamed and will be judged by expert judges from Strictly Come Dancing. 

Initially called Strictly NHS, the competition was set up during the pandemic and was only open to NHS workers. 

After seeing an advert for the competition in January last year, Amy applied thinking that nothing would come of it with more than 1,000 people applying. 

But, following a tricky application process including regional heats and then a video audition, Amy is one of 12 finalists preparing to dance the night away at the final show. 

Amy said: "I've been sporty all my life, ever since skating at Basingstoke rink, so I know the benefits that can come from doing exercise. I have suffered significantly with my mental health and been diagnosed with anxiety, so to just be able to do something and help raise the profile of the charity - felt very special to me."

On completing the deadlift, Amy said: "I decided to do the heavy lift because I wanted to do something achievable, but also something that was really out of my comfort zone and crazy enough to catch people's eye, so when I told people I'm 4ft 11 and going to lift 10,000kg they were quite surprised!"

SEE MORE: Waitrose bans sales of vaping products in all UK stores

With just over a month and a half to go till the final live show on Friday, February 24, which will be held at the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool, training will soon commence for the finalists to learn their dance routines.

Amy is also hoping to hold another fundraiser in February. 

To donate to Amy's fundraiser go to, justgiving.com/page/amyisadancefloorhero