Uncle crowned champion at Claire House Does Strictly in memory of baby nephew

Callum Broad was crowned winner of this year’s Claire House Does Strictly contest after delivering a heartwarming routine in memory of his baby nephew, Lennon.

Performing an American Smooth Waltz alongside professional dance partner and 2023 champion Samantha Jones, Callum danced his way to victory, cheered on by his proud sister Jessica Smout, whose family was cared for by Claire House Children’s Hospice.

Callum Broad, 33, said:

“I chose to do this for Claire House because they’ve supported my family for the last six years.

“Claire House was there throughout the whole journey – the scans, Lennon’s time in hospital, and when he ended up at Claire House.

“They’ve given us so much, so it was time for me to give back. It’s been amazing, from start to finish. I woke up the next morning and wanted to do it all again.”

Callum from Wrexham was one of nine amateur dancers who took part in the contest at Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel on Saturday, together raising £72,000.

Callum Broad & Samantha Jones. Credit: Claire House

Struggling to hold back the tears, Jessica celebrated his win after taking to the dancefloor herself to speak about what Claire House means to them.

“At 20 weeks pregnant, we were given the devastating news our baby Lennon had a rare condition [Congenital diaphragmatic hernia] and were given heart-wrenching statistics of the chances of survival,” explains Jessica.

“We eventually visited Claire House, hoping for the best but also preparing for the worst. Walking through the doors of Claire House was the best decision we ever made.

“There were specialist nurse consultants who supported us in processing and understanding Lennon’s diagnosis and play specialists who helped us to engage with Lennon, by reading books to him, playing with sensory light toys, which he loved, and making lifelong memories, alongside lots of personalised memorabilia, which we are now left with to treasure.

“Claire House visited us in hospital every week and very quickly became our lifeline.”

Jessica and husband Chris’s baby spent more than six months in Alder Hey before moving to Claire House to say goodbye.

“Claire House listened to everything we wanted,” says Jessica. “Lennon’s room was filled with his baby clothes, picture frames were filled with our family photos, his bed was filled with his teddies. Claire House even sourced a cot just like the one Lennon had spent his life in.

“We were able to have a Christening service for Lennon, which was just as you imagine a little boy’s beautiful Christening to be.

“We even managed to walk in the wonderful gardens, something that should have been impossible, they made possible. Lennon experienced the sun shining and the fresh air on his skin and I’ll always be so thankful for that.”

The family also used the hospice’s Butterfly suite, a private room where they could stay with Lennon until the day of his funeral, which Claire House helped to organise.

“Lennon passed away in my arms.

“Claire House held our hand and guided us through a situation we never thought we would find ourselves in,” says Jessica.

“We experienced our full journey with Claire House by our side. Many families are not so fortunate and sometimes navigate the worst times of their lives alone.

“Claire House is a sanctuary for us, and we continue to benefit from so many of their services. I couldn’t imagine where we’d be right now without the love, guidance, care and support they’ve given and continue to give us.”

It was this support – counselling, bereaved mum, dad and sibling support groups, and events like Memory Day – that inspired Callum to throw himself into 13 hours of lessons before the dress rehearsal and show in tribute to his nephew.

Rachel Handley, event fundraiser, said:

“Claire House does Strictly just keeps getting better and better! All our dancers were incredible, and we can’t thank them enough for their support and helping to raise such a fantastic amount.

“The money we raise at events such as Claire House does Strictly ensures the hospice can continue to be here for every local child and family that needs our support.

“It’s not possible to put events like this on without sponsorship from local businesses so we are so grateful to Chester Lodge and ChloBo. We also want to thank Headliners Dance School and their professional dancers, who work so hard to make this come together.”