Zumbathon by mum and daughter for breast cancer charity raises £3,500
Well over £3,500 has already been raised for Breast Cancer UK thanks to a Zumbathon event led by a mother and daughter both affected by the disease.
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 - united to host the fund-raising Zumba spectacular on Saturday evening (January 24).
Horncastle’s Stanhope Hall was the venue for the two-and-a-half-hour ‘Zumbathon for Breast Cancer’ with entry fees and donations going to the cause and everyone invited to dress in pink for Breast Cancer UK.
Sarah and Emily want to say a massive "thank you” to their friends and supporters across the Horncastle area and in the wider Zumba community who turned out to dance and raise money and awareness.
Fitness instructor mum Sarah was joined on stage by daughter Emily. Four months ago, aged just 30, Emily, from Bardney, noticed a lump in her breast while training in the gym, later Iearning it was a Grade 3 tumour.
“Being diagnosed at my age has changed my life, and will continue to do so, affecting not only my health but my future,” said Emily.
“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.
They have smashed their target of £1,600, now reaching £3,500. 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