BBCA retired couple who were once regulars at Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom have taken to the dancefloor for the last time thanks to their granddaughter’s appeal on TikTok.
Olivia Watts said she was “in tears” as she watched her grandparents Ron and Marilyn Hill twirl each other – before Mr Hill tinkered on the famous Wurlitzer organ.
They had asked for help on social media to help them have one last dance at the venue before Mr Hill, 82, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, goes into a care home. Their plea was heard by BBC Radio Lancashire, who contacted Blackpool Tourism.
Ms Hill, 80, said getting on the floor with her husband again was “amazing, there are no words for it”.
Managing Director of Blackpool Tourism, Kate Shane, not only invited the couple to dance in the ballroom – but also promised that 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 incredible.”
Mr. and Ms. Hill often enjoyed dancing together in the famous ballroom during breaks after entertaining at the Empire Hotel at the resort – which they did for 20 years until 1986.
Ms Hill said she “loved” being back in the ballroom.
“It’s exactly the same and absolutely fantastic,” he said.
“It’s a beautiful, beautiful ballroom. And that spread floor is so fabulous.”
“This is our place,” said Mr Hill, who was born in Blackpool but currently lives with his wife in Wantage, Oxfordshire.
He said he felt “amazed” to be back.
“My wife was a little nervous to dance, but I pushed her a little bit,” he joked.
Mr. Hill has a piano in his house, but he doesn’t really play it anymore due to his dementia, but after getting the chance to play the famous Wurlitzer Organ after their dance he couldn’t resist.
“That was really something,” he said after the game. “I’m really honored to be sitting in it, let alone playing it.”
olivia wattsIt was also an “emotional” moment for Ms Shen, who said: “It was special, really special.
“They are a beautiful couple with a beautiful family.”
Ms Shen said Mr Hill “obviously can dance, he plays the piano, but he’s forgotten”.
“As soon as the organ started playing, she started dancing.
“He took Marilyn to the floor and then he went and played (the organ).
“It was still there, and that moment came back here,” he said.
“We should think about our friends and relatives, we just need to make some moments and celebrate people while they are still with us.”
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