Mum and daughter take on Zumba challenge as they support each other through their breast cancer battles

Mum Sarah Marwood, who was diagnosed with breast cancer eight years ago, and her daughter Emily Rushton - who is now going through the same battle - are uniting to host a fund-raising Zumba spectacular.

Horncastle’s Stanhope Hall is the venue for the two-and-a-half-hour ‘Zumbathon for Breast Cancer’ on Saturday January 24 from 7pm until 9.30pm – doors open at 6.45pm.

With an entry fee of £10 and donations gratefully received, everyone’s welcome – it’s pink dress and all funds raised will go to Breast Cancer UK.

Joining Sarah, her fitness instructor mum, on stage will be Emily. Four months ago, aged just 30, Emily, from Bardney, noticed something was not quite right in one of her breasts and she sought advice.

“I noticed the lump while training in the gym and assumed it was torn muscle. A few months later I learned it was a Grade 3 tumour,” said Emily.

“Being diagnosed at my age has changed my life, and will continue to do so, affecting not only my health but my future.

“If there is one thing I can say to others it’s this: ‘please don’t ignore changes in your breasts – go to your doctor as early detection is key’.

“It is hard – there are bad days and better days, but I have the support of my family and friends and will get through this. As I do, I want to use my fight to help others as much as possible,” she added.

Eight and a half years ago Sarah – a care worker in Horncastle – was diagnosed. Adamant she would beat the disease; she continued to run her popular fitness classes in Horncastle during the evenings - with almost no break.

Now Sarah is as determined to support her daughter, and they both want to use their individual breast cancer battles to raise money, and awareness of just how vital it is that women of all ages get checked if they have any concerns at all.

Sarah, who is now in the latter stages of her treatment, said: “Look at Emily and I. There is an age gap of more than 20 years, and we are both healthy and fit. Proof again that cancer can strike at any time in your life.

“It was one thing going through it myself. However, to see Emily now having to endure this and fight it, as a mum, is so very, very hard – I wish it was me again, to spare her.

“I want to support her as much as possible, as she did for me and when I mentioned I was planning this Zumbathon, which has become an annual, fun event, Emily immediately said she wanted it to be the biggest and best yet – raising as much as possible,” said Sarah.

The target of £1,600 has been set and you can donate on the Go Fund Me page set up which you can access through Sarah Zumba Marwood’s public Facebook page, or go directly to https://gofund.me/74d9fcf90

Or people are welcome to turn up on Saturday January 24 and join in the fund-raising fun.