Cancer has been a part of my life ever since it robbed me of my mother, Blossom, in 1991. Even with the amazing advances in treatment in the 21 years since cancer somehow continues to try to take people I love.

At least three of my friends are fighting it right now, and I am continuously amazed by their strength and humour in the face of daunting odds. We need to keep fighting together and that is what this Zumbathon is about.

Our charities will be James Whale Fund (Kidney Care), St Francis Hospice and Stomach Cancer.

We don't need to raise awareness of cancer but we do need to raise awareness that the fight can never stop and we are the ones to fight it. We also hope to raise some much needed cash to help those in the front line fight a little more to find the new knowledge and treatments we all need in one way or another.

ZUMBA has changed my life and its commitment to charity fund raising has inspired me to do this. Zumba helps us stay fit, active, happy and healthy. All of these are important for everyone in handling whatever life throws at us.

Zumba Fitness is one of the most positive things to have entered my world and I want to share it with as many of you as possible on July 1. I promise we'll have fun. And with your help we'll make a little part of the world just a little bit better in some small way. What can be better than that?

We'll have all the usual fund raising activities like raffles and cakes but the focus will be on the Zumba. You'll get to see and try out other Zumba Instructors who will show you some of their routines and styles on the day and just being there will make you feel good physically and spiritually.

Please support this event if you can – and tell your friends and their friends!

All profits go to the charities. £10 per Ticket. Kids (14 and under) £6.

See you then.

Love,

Martine

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