A group of Aberdeen dads are swapping their day jobs for dancing shoes this weekend to raise money for head and neck cancer patients, a cause that is close to their hearts.
Prem Reynolds, one of the 16 dads taking to the stage, received the life-changing diagnosis of head and neck cancer in May 2024 after what seemed to be a minor ulcer on his tongue failed to heal. Within weeks of his diagnosis, Prem was undergoing 12 hours of surgery, followed by seven weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy during the summer.
Prem expressed: “The news was devastating, but the care I received from the Maxillofacial Unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary was outstanding. I knew I wanted to give something back.”
Now recovering from treatment, Prem has rallied the 15 other members of the Dancing Dads to help raise funds for the NHS Grampian Maxillofacial Department. The group’s goal is to further improve the unit where patients and their families receive diagnoses and discuss treatment plans with dignity.
Prem added: “As a patient, I know how vital it is to have the right environment when receiving difficult news. This project means the world to me, and I’m so grateful to the other dads for dancing alongside me.”
Head and neck cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers in the UK, with a significant increase in younger individuals and non-smokers receiving a diagnosis over the past 20 years. Despite being one of the most common types of cancer, funding remains proportionally low.
The Dancing Dads will take to the stage for a one-off performance at His Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday 7 June, as part of Danscentre’s Senior Show Encore. Many of the dads also have children performing in the end-of-term show. The James Bond-themed routine has been choreographed by Danscentre teacher Jillian Louis.
The full Dancing Dads troupe includes Grant Argo, Grigoris Athanasiadis, David Christie, Paul Connor, Jack Keenan, Jimmy Lamont, Kyle MacDonald, Fraser Mackie, Craig McEwan, Neil McPherson, Andy Melvin, Prem Reynolds, Mark Roper, Pharic Tyrie, Don Vasey, and Alexandros Zangelidis.
To donate to Prem and the Dancing Dads, visit www.justgiving.com/page/dads-dance-encore
