Ali raises a cuppa for forces charity

Ali helped to launch The Big Brew Up in aid of SSFA, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, at Wellington Barracks in London today.

The event runs from 4th to 10th October and encourages people to raise money by organising a get-together over a cup of tea. Money raised goes to the SSFA charity which helps members of the forces and their families. This year the SSFA celebrates its 125th anniversary.

Ali said: “When you’re serving overseas there’s nothing like a nice cup of tea to remind you of home. By holding their own Big Brew Ups, people can take some time out with family, friends or colleagues for a cuppa and think about the dedication of our troops and their families.”

She is pictured with soldiers from the Grenadier Guards. During Strictly last year, Ali visited Catterick garrison with other celebs and dancers to meet the soldiers there.

Today's event follows a series of charity and publicity engagements by Ali since Burn the Floor ended on 4th September.

On Monday 13th September, Ali helped raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust by trading shares during the charity trading day in Canary Wharf, London, organised by city firm BGC Partners in memory of New York colleagues who died on 11th September 2001.

Congratulations also to the TAFFS who raised £300 to purchase a BTF poster signed by Brian, Ali and all the London cast. The money will go to the Steve Waugh Foundation which helps children with rare diseases in Asia and Africa.

Ali talks about her own Women of Courage

Ali talks to Prima magazine about how her grandmother and her aunt have inspired her to support breast cancer charities such as Breakthrough Breast Cancer and to become patron of Prima's Women of Courage Awards.

The interview is in the October issue of Prima.

Strictly celeb list

For the list of Strictly celebs that was leaked on the net today, please link to my new Strictly blog Strictly Special.

The Strictly Awesomeness blog will continue with news from Ali and Brian, and whatever projects they do in the future.

Thanks.