Dunnes staff in Blackpool throw shapes and 'Show Some Heart' for Irish Heart Foundation

Jerusalema challenge continues to draw more dancers from teams around the country

Staff at Dunnes Stores in Blackpool, Cork, perform the Jerusalema dance challenge. Picture: Blackpool Shopping Centre

Opening up for the start of business involved a lot more than raising the shutters and checking the till float for one group of supermarket workers. 

Dancing down the shopping aisles and strutting through the supermarket, Dunnes Stores staff in Blackpool shopping centre were the latest group to take on the Jerusalema dance challenge. 

Spinning on their heels in perfect time, the essential workers had to rise early to throw some shapes in aid of a good cause for the Irish Heart Foundation. 

All proceeds raised will go to the Irish Heart Foundation's 'Show Some Heart' campaign. Picture: Blackpool Shopping Centre

Practising in their own time, the Blackpool team gave An Garda Síochána,  who first brought the dance to national attention after a challenge from the Swiss police,a run for their money. 

Led by store manager Brian Tynan, the workers danced to raise funds as part of a national effort for the charity's "Show Some Heart" campaign. 

The Blackpool team drew much praise on social media and the talented performers included a solo dancer, Megan O'Rourke, who performed an Irish jig step. 

So far, the video has been watched over 45,000 times and has nearly 2,000 likes on social media.

Their extra efforts did not go unnoticed and Judith Gilsenan, head of fundraising at the IHF was quick to congratulate the supermarket staff for their Jerusalema challenge.  

"We're so thrilled to have had the support of Dunnes Stores for our ‘Show Some Heart’ fundraising campaign.

"All over Ireland last weekend, Dunnes Stores staff donned red t-shirts and outfits and put their hearts into raising money to support our work with people who are living with and affected by heart disease and stroke. 

"And in Blackpool, they went even further – their Jerusalema challenge video is amazing and has put a smile on all our faces.

"We're so grateful to everyone in Dunnes Stores in Blackpool and around the country for their support - we simply couldn't have done it without them," she said. 

The charity and the Irish supermarket retailer expect to release a figure for the amount fundraised in the coming days after a special appeal for Valentine's Day.

So far, the video has been watched over 45,000 times and has nearly 2,000 likes on social media. Picture: Blackpool Shopping Centre