Bath community invited to Zumba for charity
Kate Parsons from Bath is organising a 2-hour Zumbathon to raise funds for local charity, Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).
The Zumbathon is taking place at the Bath Pavillion on Saturday 14 August from 2pm until 4pm. Participants are being asked donation £10 to take part, which will go straight to CHSW.
Kate’s family were cared for by CHSW’s Charlton Farm hospice in North Somerset after her five-year-old son Max had been diagnosed with an incurable condition. 
Kate said: “Max wasn’t relaxed in the hospital and it wasn’t a place we wanted him to pass away. We were offered Charlton Farm for end-of-life care and as soon as we walked through the door, we knew it was the place where we wanted to spend our last precious days with our boy. Even though it was a very sad time for us, as a family we felt happy we were able to say goodbye to Max in a very special way, thanks to Charlton Farm.”
Kate says she wants to give back to the hospice by raising vital funds and awareness.
“People in Bath don’t realise that Charlton Farm is their local children’s hospice facility. It’s currently supporting many local families who need the care and support offered by the specialist team there.”
Kate and her husband Ben have taken part in many personal challenges for CHSW, including its 205-mile cycle event Ride for Precious Lives, but the Zumbathon offers an opportunity for the local community to show their support.
Zumba is a fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves and is suitable for all ages and all levels of fitness.
Jess Harding-Wyatt, a qualified teacher who will be taking the class, said: “I am absolutely honoured to be asked to help run the Zumbathon. Kate is a close friend and I was privileged to have met her gorgeous son Max.
“Kate and Ben, along with close friends and family, have been working so hard over the years to help raise money to support Children’s Hospice Southwest, where Max spent his last days. The 2-hour Zumbathon will be fun, joyful and energetic. So grab your dancing shoes and come raise money for an incredible cause!”
To join in the fitness fun, simply make a donation at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kate-parsons1608