Devoted dad steps up to Darlington's Strictly Challenge

FOR a "shy bloke" who hates being in the limelight, and had to be pushed onto the dancefloor by his wife, David Beadle has every right to feel proud of becoming a glitterball star.

Not least because his first dance in front of a sell-out audience – a traditional Cha-cha-cha – was followed by a routine from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, ending with him wearing a bra, stockings and suspenders.

It was enough to make David the winner of the first Strictly Step By Step event in Darlington, which raised £11,000 for local charities supporting men’s mental health and suicide prevention.

(Image: Scott Akoz) He was representing Quinn’s Retreat, a charity founded after the death of David’s 17-year-old daughter, Quinn, who took her own life in 2018. That tragedy was followed by Quinn’s brother, Dyllon, took is own life the following year because he was unable to cope with the grief of losing his sister.

“I’d like to think they were looking down from somewhere, having a good laugh at me making a fool of myself, but being proud at the same time,” says David as he looks back on the event at the Dolphin Centre.

Strictly Step By Step was organised by professional dancers Darrien Wright and Kelly Sloan, with five male amateurs partnering experienced dancers to perform in front of hundreds of people.

The audience included the town’s MP, Lola McEvoy, and the Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Bob Donoghue, who was moved to tears by the end.

While David teamed up with Kaci Tyler for Quinn’s Retreat, the other admirable volunteers also proved themselves to be the best of sports:

• Wayne Percy, dancing with Kelly Sloan, in support of Andy’s Man Club
• Adam Petson and Lizzie Harrison, representing Recovery Connections
• Andrew Jeffries and Victoria Armstrong, supporting I’m George’s Mate
• Simon Pickerell and Cherie Freer, in aid of the Never Throw In The Towel Project

Each had to learn two dances to impress the Strictly judges, who brought a wealth of experience to the occasion.

Bryan Thompson, a director of the International Dance Teachers Association and member for 55 years, led the way.

He was supported by Hip Hop International UK Champion and world finalist, Zak Healey, alongside Julian Cound, chair of Darlington Operatic Society, and a seasoned performer in shows at the town's Hippodrome Theatre.

The result was decided on a public vote, coupled with the judges’ comments, with David coming out top despite being a reluctant participant and having to have his arm twisted by his wife, Tracey.

“I’m not a natural dancer – never have been, never will be,” he admits. “I’m a shy bloke, but we were struggling to pin down a volunteer, and we were lying in bed one night when Tracey told me: ‘You’re going to have to do it!’

“She’s a very, very persuasive woman, so I knew I had no choice but to get out of my comfort zone and give it a whirl. It was terrifying but, in the end, I loved every minute of being out there, and it’s an experience I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

David and Kaci started with a Cha-cha-cha to Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes, before he went solo with “some traditional dad-dancing” to Right Said Fred’s I’m Too Sexy For My Shirt, leading into the Time Warp, and those unforgettable bra, stockings and suspenders.

(Image: Scott Akoz) “It might have been me who ended up with that big silver trophy, but I know all the other lads were better dancers than me. We were all in it together and everyone was a winner,” says David.

“Raising £11,000 was fantastic but it was more about raising awareness and getting people talking about mental health and suicide.

“We’ve always been very open about what happened to Quinn and Dyllon and, on the night, we had people coming up to us, saying they’d also lost a loved one to suicide.

“If it helps one person who’s finding life difficult, it will have been worthwhile.”

Following the dazzling success of the inaugural event, organisers Darrien and Kelly are keen for Strictly Step By Step to become a regular date in the Darlington calendar.

“There were so many people who played a part in making it an incredible night – performers, singers, sponsors, fundraisers, judges – and the response has been overwhelming,” says Darrien.

“I’ve had so many messages, and we want to make it an annual event, building on what we’ve learned in the first year.

“It’s so important that we work towards breaking the stigma of mental health and showing men, especially, that it’s good to talk. Hopefully, this is just the start.”

Meanwhile, Quinn’s Retreat, which provides countryside breaks for people bereaved by suicide, goes from strength to strength.

In 2020, Tracey and David bought their first caravan, “Quinn’s Retreat”, at Barnard Castle. A year later, a second caravan, “Dyl’s Den”, was added just outside Appleby.

Now, the Shildon couple are planning to add a third location, on the coast, near Saltburn. This time it will be “bricks and mortar”, with a £100,000 appeal being launched in January.

“We want to be in a position to help more families because we’ve seen what a difference it makes to be able to have a break in a nice, peaceful setting,” explains David.

And he’s under no illusion that he’s expected “to do whatever it takes” to go on supporting the wonderful charity he and Tracey have created in unthinkably heartbreaking circumstances.

“I don’t care what it might be – David’s up for anything if it helps Quinn’s Retreat,” she insists.

“He’ll even strip off and be a butler in the buff if the request comes in!”

Poor, shy and retiring David lets out a groan and shakes his head as the words tumble out of Tracey’s mouth, but he knows there’s little point arguing.

As we all now know, his wife is a very, very persuasive woman.