A woman who lost her brother to blood cancer is organising a keep-fit charity event at a Hitchin school later this month.

Ellie Males lost her brother Joe to the disease eight days after his 16th birthday in 2007, with the Males family and friends holding a host of fundraisers since then to collect funds for Bloodwise – including a zumbathon from 2pm to 4pm at The Priory School in Bedford Road on Saturday, October 24.

Sporty Ellie said: “We attend a zumba class every week at Xchange Fitness in Hitchin run by Richard Cowell and thought: ‘What better way to raise money for a charity close to our hearts than to get people involved in something we love.’ We hope as many people as possible to come to our sponsored zumbathon.

“We’d also like to thank Priory School head Geraint Edwards, who’s been fantastic.

“No previous fitness is required, and you can do as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.

“There’s a raffle, and a cake sale after – where people can treat themselves! Tickets cost £10 from www.justgiving.com/zumbathon-24.”