Zumbathon fundraiser for Alzheimer's Society

East Riding Leisure Beverley is to host a Zumbathon to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society while raising awareness of dementia.

Everyone is invited to take part in the event on the afternoon of Saturday 23 May to help raise awareness of the condition which is estimated to affect over 5,000 people in the East Riding, with many more not yet diagnosed.

Prior to the start of the Zumbathon, a Dementia Friends information session will be held at the leisure centre between 1pm and 2pm, at which the public can find out more about the condition and how they can become a Dementia Friend.

Anybody can become a Dementia Friend which involves taking just a few simple steps to understanding more about dementia and the little things that can be done to help those with the condition.

The Zumbathon will follow on from 2pm to 4pm, with participants invited to take part in just one half hour session of Zumba, or the full session.

Funds raised through sponsorship will go towards helping the Alzheimer’s Society continue working to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia across the UK.

The Zumbathon is being organised by The Old School House, in Beverley which is an East Riding of Yorkshire Council residential care home which cares for dementia sufferers.

Emma Smith, manager of The Old School House, said: “We came up with the idea of holding the Zumbathon because we wanted to hold an event that everyone, regardless of age or ability, could really enjoy while learning a bit more about dementia.

“If we can raise awareness of the condition, while also raising vital funds for the Alzheimer’s Society, this will be fantastic. We really want to try and make a real difference to not only those living with the condition but the people who care for them and we would encourage as many people as possible to get involved in what we hope will be a fun afternoon.”

To book your place on the Zumbathon or for more details, including a sponsor form, call The Old School House on 01482 868118.

Further Dementia Friends sessions will be held throughout the week and for more details on these visit www.alzheimers.dementiafriends.org/WEBsession to register your interest.