Inverclyde Zumba dancers raise £3k for Ardgowan Hospice

Organisers of a recent sponsored Zumbathon were overwhelmed by the response to their charity event in Greenock in aid of Ardgowan Hopspice.

Instructors Angela Slaven, Kerry Kershaw and Elaine Casement took their members onto the floor and opened the door to newcomers for the event, which brought in more than £3,000.

The dance craze is now catching on with Inverclyde MP Martin McCluskey and Councillor Francesca Brennan joining in on the day.

Zumbathon fundraiser in aid Ardgowan Hospice (Image: George Munro) Angela, a district nurse who runs sessions in the Coppermine Community Centre in Gourock, said: "We are genunitely blown away by the response. It was great to see so many people coming together to join in.

"We will definitely be doing it again. Ardgowan Hospice is a really important charity and one that is close to many people's hearts.

"It was lovely to get everyone together."

Zumbathon (Image: Alex Craig)Angela's classes in the Coppermine Community Centre have went from strength to strength since the pandemic.

 Zumba enthuasiasts who go to classes in Greenock,Gourock and Inverclyde all came along to the 175 Club in West Stewart Street to show their support.

Zumbathon (Image: Alex Craig)Inverkip instructor Kerry Kershaw, who runs two classes in the village, said: "It was a brilliant day. We wanted to show people that Zumba is a great way to come together. It is all about the music, it is is a great way to escape and just have fun.

"We have a great community going."

Zumbathon (Image: Alex Craig)The Zumba instructors are now hoping to run more fundraisers in the future for other charities including Compassionate Inverclyde.

Zumbathon (Image: Alex Craig) Zumbathon (Image: Alex Craig)

Zumba is a Latin dance inspired fitness programme which involves lots of cardio and lots of fun.

Angela added: "We always have so much fun!"