Move to online helps fitness class raise cash for NHS

A Newtown fitness group has been praised by the town's Mayor for helping people with their wellbeing and raising money for the NHS through online fitness classes.

Cllr David Selby, praised Lorraine Sharpe who moved her group's Zumba class online to raise money for the NHS and to support the wellbeing of team members.

"It is great to see a group like this adapting to the current restrictions and finding ways to assist members experiencing loneliness and lack of physical contact," said Cllr Selby.

For the past 10 or more weeks since the beginning of lock down Lorraine, a Zumba fitness instructor, has been holding virtual Zumba classes for her regular participators and many others who have joined now joined in.

Sarah from Newtown said: "I suffer from panic attacks and chronic fatigue but Zumba has helped me switch off and forget all my pains. I now have a Zumba family who smile and are so warm and friendly."

What started on Facebook live has now seen Lorraine upload on to YouTube, making the classes accessible to even more people.

Lorraine said: "I can't stress enough the importance of exercise to the wellbeing of people's mental health and I just knew I had to do something to help my class."

In addition to this Lorraine and the Zumba class have raised  more than £1400 for the NHS charities.

Lorraine added: "I would like to say a very special thank you for all who have donated and those who continue to join in and dance every week."

"General wellbeing has been shown to be enhanced by exercise and dance -so why not have fun at the same time."