A charity Zumba-thon held in Rhondda Cynon Taf raised £2,500 for three Welsh charities.
Around 80 keep-fit fanatics took part in the three hour event at the Council’s Michael Sobell Sports Centre in Aberdare, led by Zumba instructor Linda Sheldon, a 54-year-old grandmother who has shed four stone in weight since taking over her daughter’s classes in January.
Mrs Sheldon, who has Asthma, Emphysema and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, says Zumba has helped keep her fit and get into shape, in conjunction with the Herbalife weight loss programme.
Joanne Sheldon, a 32-year-old mother-of-two, took up Zumba in 2009 – and the craze has since swept the whole of Rhondda Cynon Taf by storm with classes held weekly at selected leisure centres.
Joanne was diagnosed with a brain tumor last December and underwent surgery at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
But her mother Linda, of Moss Row, Abernant, was determined to keep her daughter’s Zumba classes going and qualified as a dance teacher. She took over her daughter’s weekly classes and even organised the charity Zumba event while Joanne began her recovery.
“It was a huge challenge, but it gave me a new lease of life. I’ve lost four stone and I feel so healthy thanks to Zumba,” said Linda, who now takes eight classes a week.
“Zumba can be enjoyed by all ages. It is such a good way to tone up the body as well as improve fitness levels.”
Linda Sheldon is now a committed Zumba instructor and an independent Herbalife distributor.
Zumba, a Latin-inspired dance fitness programme incorporating hip-hop, samba, salsa, merengue, mambo, martial arts and belly dance moves, is a popular leisure activity at Rhondda Cynon Taf Leisure Centres.
The £2,500 raised during the three-hour Zumbathon by Joanne’s loyal class members is being split between Epilepsy Wales, the University Hospital of Wales neurology ward, and Rowan Tree Cancer Care Centre, Cynon Valley.
Joanne is continuing her recovery at home and wishes to thank everyone for their generosity and support.
Cllr Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: “We are very pleased Joanne is on the road to recovery and that through her mother Linda’s sterling efforts and dedication, the Zumba classes continue to thrive.
“However, as well as Zumba classes, there are also many other activities to be found at every leisure centre within Rhondda Cynon Taf.”
