Blackpool Tower hosts couple's last dance before care home

Alicia SofieldNorth West, Blackpool Tower Ballroom

‘It’s exactly the same and it’s absolutely fabulous’

A retired couple who were once regulars at Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom have taken to the dance floor for the last time thanks to their granddaughter’s plea on TikTok.

Olivia Watts said she was “crying” as she watched her grandparents Ron and Marilyn Hill walk around, before Hill played the famous Wurlitzer organ.

She had asked for help on social media to help them dance one last time at the venue before Hill, 82, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, enters a nursing home. Their plea was heard by BBC Radio Lancashire, who contacted Blackpool Tourism.

Ms Hill, 80, said talking to her husband again had been “just wonderful, there are no words to describe it”.

Ron Hill, 82, And His Wife Marilyn, 80, At The Tower Ballroom. Ron Is Wearing A Red Sweater And A Black Cap And Marilyn Is Dressed In Black. — Ron and Marilyn Hill used to dance regularly at the Blackpool Ballroom.

Blackpool Tourism CEO Kate Shane not only invited the couple to dance in the ballroom, but also promised the resident organist would accompany them.

After watching the couple dance, the couple’s granddaughter said: “My heart feels so full right now, it’s really amazing.”

Ywaaaaaaqabaaacauwaow== | Stuff Unknown — The couple danced while the famous Wurlitzer organ played.

An Elderly Couple Dances In The Tower Ballroom In Blackpool While Someone Plays An Organ In The Background. — The couple danced while the famous Wurlitzer organ played.

Mr. and Mrs. Hill often enjoyed a dance together in the famous ballroom during breaks while running entertainment at the resort’s Empire Hotel, something they did for 20 years, until 1986.

Hill said he “loved” being back in the ballroom.

“It’s exactly the same and it’s absolutely fabulous,” he said.

“It’s a beautiful, beautiful ballroom. And this floating floor is just fabulous.”

An Old Man And A Woman Hold Hands While Dancing In A Ballroom. — Hill said he was “stunned” to dance with his wife in the ballroom again.

“This is our place,” said Hill, who was born in Blackpool but currently lives in Wantage, Oxfordshire, with his wife.

He said he felt “stunned” to be back.

“My wife was a little nervous about dancing, but I pushed her a little bit,” he joked.

Mr Hill has a piano at home but does not currently play it due to his dementia, but after having the opportunity to play the famous Wurlitzer organ after the dance, he couldn’t resist.

“That was really extraordinary,” he said after playing. “I’m really honored to be able to watch it, let alone play it.”

Olivia Watts Marilyn, Who Has Short White Hair And Is Wearing A Blue Floral Dress, Is On The Arm Of Ron, Who Is Smiling In A Beige Suit. He Wears Glasses And Has Short Gray Hair. Next To The Couple Is Olivia, Who Has Long Dark Hair. He Is On His Grandfather'S Arm. The Three Of Them Are Standing In Front Of A Light Purple Curtain. — Granddaughter Oliva Watts (right) took to TikTok to give the couple one last dance in the ballroom.

It was also an “emotional” moment for Shane, who said: “It was special, really special.

“They are a beautiful couple with a beautiful family.”

Shane said Hill “obviously knew how to dance, he plays the piano, but he had forgotten.”

“As soon as the organ started playing, he started dancing.

“He took Marilyn to the ground and then he went and played [the organ].

“It was still there, and at that moment here it came back,” he said.

“We should think about that for our friends and family, we just need to create moments and celebrate people while we still have them.”

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