Local community fitness company Fit4Fun are raising funds to support the delivery of a life-saving project with their Annual Fit4Fun Zumbathon, being held at Mansfield Rugby Club on 28th February. Mansfield based charity, Ladybrook Enterprises Ltd offer Heart Start training, a completely free two-hour session teaching participants essential live saving skills including CPR.

Backed by the British Heart Foundation, Heart Start training gives members of the community free training in emergency life saving skills including CPR, helping residents become empowered to save the lives of relatives and loved ones.

The team at Ladybrook Community Centre run these free training courses for anybody wanting to get involved and help to protect their friends and family should they have an incident where they need CPR or other emergency treatment. Not only are they looking to raise funds through the Zumbathon, they are also looking for volunteers to train up and help deliver this much needed service within the community.

Sharron Reynolds, Ladybrook Enterprises Ltd manager, said: “The Heart Start program provides an essential service to the community.

“We are often touched by stories of our participants who have lost loved ones as they were not trained to help or those who have saved lives with their CPR training, it really puts the work we do into perspective and spurs us on to fundraise and keep the program alive. We work with individuals and companies wishing to help their staff, it really is an essential service for Mansfield.”

As a voluntary organisation, the team receive no funding from anywhere else to deliver this course, which is why they have teamed up with Fit4Fun and Mansfield Rugby Club, to raise much needed funds to keep the program going.

The Zumbathon will run in the sports hall of Mansfield Rugby Club from 6pm to 9pm on the 28th February and will see men, women and children dance the night away either paying £5 to participate or taking part for free if they secure sponsorship from friends, relatives or colleagues.

Ruth Truswell, owner of Fit for Fun, said: “I’m honoured to be helping raise money and awareness for such a worthy cause. I’ve always preached how Zumba can help you stay fit, now we can say that when you take part in the Zumbathon, Zumba will help to save lives. It’s easy to get involved, from a total beginner to a seasoned professional, the Zumbathon is open to all.”

Local companies have already pledged time and money to help support the effort. Mansfield Rugby Club have very kindly donated the use of their facilities and local marketing company, ReStart Marketing have donated time and expertise to help promote the event and Jamie’s Professional Disco have donated a DJ, lighting and audio equipment for free. If you feel you are able to support the event in any way please contact us we would love to hear from you.

For more information on the Zumbathon or how to get involved with Heart Start, please contact 01623 624208 or 07863 987271or visit www.fit-4-fun.co.uk or www.ladybrookcommunitycentre.co.uk