OVER 50 fun-loving dancers gathered in the Armstrong Hall in Thornbury for a three-hour charity Zumbathon, raising vital funds for charity.

The event, held on Sunday, June 14 raised more than £2,750 for Thornbury and District Local Committee, supporting Cancer Research UK.

The event was organised by Pam Forrest from Thornbury & District Local Committtee, as well as Natasha Leschinski and Sam Hutchinson, instructors from Thornbury Zumba.

There were many luxury auction prizes donated, including a homemade ‘show cake’ donated by 15-year-old Molly Hobbs.

Natasha, the event organiser said: “We do a big fundraiser once a year, this year we were inspired by some of our clients who have been affected by cancer. In particularly, one of our regular clients who came three times a week sadly passed away this year.

“We wanted to try and make a difference and help fund research for this terrible disease. The day was fantastic; we were joined by all the Zumba instructors in the local area who all brought along friends, family and colleagues.

“We cannot believe how much was raised from 56 people, so thank you to everyone.”

The Thornbury & District Local Committee started in the 1970s, raising a total of £1,250 in their first year. Thirty-eight years later and fifteen members later, at the end of 2015, they were able to raise over £42,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Zoe Tainton, fundraising manager for Bath, Bristol and South Gloucestershire said:

“The committees’ enthusiasm and commitment is incredible. Every hour, every member and every supporter of theirs have helped to raise over £580,000 over thirty-eight years.

“It is such a phenomenal amount, which has made a huge difference to our life-saving research. Thank you to Thornbury and beyond – you are one amazing community.”