A devoted grandad is set to move crowds at an enchanting Sheffield ice show when he skates to a classic tear jerker in loving memory of his wife.
John Verney, 73, of North Hykeham, Lincolnshire, will perform a special tribute dance to his late wife Jean’s favourite ballad, Wind Beneath My Wings, at iceSheffield’s Thankyou for the Music Show.
It is the dazzling grand finale of the Real Yorkshire Ice Factor competition, South Yorkshire’s answer to the hit TV programme Dancing on Ice, which will see five national coaches and local novice skaters compete for the crown.
John, a retired draughtsman, was given a slot in the breathtaking music based show which will take place at the competition, after former British Champion and show director David Hartley picked up on his skating talents and convinced him to practice his spins in front of an audience to honour his wife Jean who passed away in 2003.
John said: “I thought it would be a good idea to dance to Jean’s favourite song and although I’m a bit nervous, I’m excited because it’s the first time I’ve ever done anything at this level. I wanted to prove that skating is for all ages and I hope that people will be touched and that Jean will be looking down.”
Dedicated John has skated at iceSheffield for the past five years, travelling 500 miles a week from his home town to train at the Sheffield International Venues managed rink with coaches Nancy Ambler and Diana Allen and has made an abundance of friends.
Said John: “I now have my gold standard NISA in skating and I train five days a week it’s so addictive! I attend iceSheffield’s over 50’s club on a Monday which I enjoy because I can skate with people of my own age. It’s like a skating band of brothers and sisters, it’s super!”
Although John has angina, he does not let his heart condition hold him back. He is soon taking to the slopes of Andalo in Italy for a week long skating and skiing seminar and plans to enter the British Adult skating Championships next year.
John said: “Although I’m a bit more cautious now, my coaches are helping me polish up my routine which will feature a lot of spirals, spins and a couple of jumps. I’m looking forward to friends and family coming to support me on the night and I hope I do well for them.”
Peter Morrissey, ice development manager at iceSheffield, said: “It is great to know that skaters of all ages feel comfortable at iceSheffield and it’s inspiring to see someone as committed as John step out of his comfort zone and perform something as personal as Jean’s favourite song to a huge audience.
“We hope that John enjoys his experience on the night and we will be backing him all the way.”
The spectacular Thank you for the Music show and the Real Yorkshire Ice Factor competition, being held in conjunction with Real Radio, will take place on 19 March at 7.30pm.
Tickets are available from iceSheffield on 0114 223 3900. Prices are as follows: £9.50 for adults, £5 for children and concessions, £21.50 for family tickets and £5 for groups of ten or more. Book Tickets
