A 22-year-old woman from Hitchin lost her brother to blood cancer has issued a massive thanks to everyone who helped make her fundraising event in his honour such a success.

The Comet: The charity zumbathon to raise money for Bloodwise at the Priory SchoolThe charity zumbathon to raise money for Bloodwise at the Priory School (Image: Archant)

Ellie Males’ brother Joe died from the disease in 2007 – eight days after his 16th birthday.

Since then the Males family, together with friends and well-wishers, have held a series of fundraisers to collect funds for national charity Bloodwise – formerly known as Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

Sporty Ellie, of Old Hale Way, organised a Zumbathon at Hitchin’s Priory School on Saturday that saw more than 70 people take part in the activity – which is a cross between dance and aerobics.

Afterwards, she said: “We had so much fun and we enjoying organising it. It couldn’t have happened without the help and support of so many people.

The Comet: The instructors at the charity zumbathon to raise money for Bloodwise at the Priory SchoolThe instructors at the charity zumbathon to raise money for Bloodwise at the Priory School (Image: Archant)

“We’d like to thank Priory headteacher Geraint Edwards, Richard Cowell and Tony Leary who all have been a great help – as well as each and everyone who turned up and took part.

“We had everyone from children to pensioners take part. They have all helped us raise £2,236 so far with more funds to come, and the money will go towards helping finding a cure for blood cancer.

“The amount also takes the total we have raised since 2007 to more than £40,000 – so a big thank you to everyone.”

Due to the success of Saturday’s Zumbathon, Ellie is already planning to hold a similar event next year.

The Comet: The charity zumbathon to raise money for Bloodwise at the Priory SchoolThe charity zumbathon to raise money for Bloodwise at the Priory School (Image: Archant)