Paphos, Cyprus. British nationals Diane and Steve Gee, now residents of Cyprus, raised £4,473 for charities by jiving in more than 60 locations worldwide within a year. Their fundraising supported Cyprus’s Forget Me Not Alzheimer’s foundation and the UK’s Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of loved ones lost to the diseases.
From social hobby to fundraising challenge
Diane said the couple began jiving after moving to Cyprus and joining Paphos Jivers in Chloraka to meet people. She said the club’s friendly atmosphere and patient instructors quickly made it a weekly highlight.
The challenge began on Diane’s 60th birthday in January 2025, when a friend dared her to jive in 60 spots over the year. In June, another friend suggested turning it into a charity drive.
“We initially had no plans to raise money,” Diane said. “It was just a personal challenge until friends pushed us to make it humanitarian.”
Dancing locations across the world
The couple’s jiving locations included Peru’s San Palomino islands with sea lions, inside a submarine, on a padel court while wearing padels, in front of Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer, atop Machu Picchu, and in a 3,000-year-old wine cave in Kathikas, Cyprus.
Diane said many locations were unplanned, including a spontaneous dance on a hay bale while cycling in France. She said the only planned locations were in Singapore, supported by a touring company, and in Paris in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Fundraising totals and plans for 2026
The couple initially hoped to raise £6,000 but considered it unrealistic given they had six months to raise the amount. By the end of the year, they had raised £4,473, and Diane said that in 2026 the £6,000 target feels achievable.
They said they hope publicity will encourage readers to donate, and Diane said they anticipate a £200 donation from two English magazines after being featured. She also said their GoFundMe is gaining traction and that including the link in articles may increase the total.
Diane said one donation stood out in particular: a tour company the couple has long supported contributed £1,000 and more, after the couple had already booked a tour around southeast Asia through the same company.
Would you consider donating to the couple’s fundraising efforts for Alzheimer’s and cancer support charities?
