Blackpool Tower hosts couple’s last dance before care home

A retired couple who were once regulars at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom have hit the dance floor one last time, thanks to their grandchild’s request on TikTok.

Olivia Watts said she was “brought to tears” as she watched her grandparents, Ron and Marilyn Hill, show each other around before Mr Hill repaired the famous Wurlitzer organ.

Mr Hill, 82, who has Alzheimer’s disease, had asked for help on social media to help them dance one last dance at the venue before going to a care home. His plea was heard by BBC Radio Lancashire, who contacted Blackpool Tourism.

Mrs Hill, 80, said it was “wonderful, there are no words for it” to be back on the podium with her husband.

As well as inviting the pair to dance in the ballroom, Kate Shane, managing director of Blackpool Tourism, promised that the organist would accompany them.

After watching the couple dance, the couple’s grandson said: “My heart is so full right now, it’s truly incredible.”

During breaks at the resort’s Empire Hotel, Mr. and Mrs. Hill often enjoyed dancing together in the famous ballroom; this was something they did for 20 years until 1986.

Ms Hill said she “absolutely loved” being back in the ballroom.

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

“It’s a beautiful ballroom. And that sprung floor is just gorgeous.”

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

He said he felt “overwhelmed” 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 doesn’t really play it at the moment due to his dementia, but after being given the chance to play the famous Wurlitzer organ after their dance he couldn’t resist.

“That was a really big deal,” he said after playing. “I feel honored to be sitting there, let alone playing.”

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

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

Ms Shane said Mr Hill “could dance, he could play the piano, but he forgot”.

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

“He took Marilyn out on the field and then she went and played [the organ].

“He was still there and that’s when he came back,” he said.

“We have to think about it for our friends and relatives, just create moments and celebrate people while we still have them.”

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