Zumba marathon raises money for cancer charity (From Thisisdorset)

Zumba marathon raises money for cancer charity

2:22pm Monday 17th September 2012 in Latest

ONE hundred and fifty women shimmied and shook their bodies during a charity ‘Zumba-thon’ at the BIC.

The two-hour session of the dance and fitness craze was held on Saturday to raise money for Macmillan Caring Locally.

They had donated £10 each towards the unit at Christchurch Hospital and many had stories of friends and relatives who had received help.

Christchurch resident Sharon Rodger, who is an instructor in Christchurch and New Milton , organised the event.

She said: “A friend of mine passed away at Christmas a year ago – she had cancer for five years and it means a lot to me to raise money.”

People taking quick breaks on the side included Yvonne Harbour, 43, from Lymington , who said: “I am really enjoying it.

“The reason I am taking part is that my aunt had cancer and Macmillan looked after her.”

Mel Rayner, 34, from Barton-on-Sea , said: “It’s amazing – absolutely wonderful.

“It’s such a great charity to support. My uncle was at Macmillan. And this is bringing together instructors and dancers from across the area.”

She agreed with a laugh that Zumba was bit of a cult. “It’s a really healthy cult,” she joked.

A couple of men also joined in the Latin dance moves.

Mark Davies, 50, from Charminster, was enjoying himself but was still a beginner with the moves.

“By the time you have caught up they are on to something else,” he said.

“And us men are not as graceful as the women.”

Kimberley Harrison, a well-known globe-trotting Zumba instructor based in Alicante, flew over to help out with the session.