TOOTHILL experienced a taste of Colombia this weekend with a Zumba-themed fundraiser in aid of three-year-old Layla Moger.

Crowds of dynamic dancers donned tutus, multi-coloured leggings and neon sweatbands to dance at Toothill’s Community Centre in aid of the Steps For Layla campaign, launched this week.

The Zumbathon attracted more than one hundred dancers who took their own fundraising steps for the resilient youngster during a one or three hour session.

Under the skilled tutelage of six Zumba instructors supporters shimmied through the mammoth Zumba class with salsa, merengue, flamenco and mambo styles all featuring.

Zumba instructor Sam Donachie, from Grange Park said she was delighted to be involved in the appeal.

“Zumba is always lots of fun, every class feels like a party so I know everyone will have a great time today. I’m proud to be doing something to help Layla.”

Layla, from Toothill, was born with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy which affects the movement of her legs and left arm and diagnosed at 13 months.

It is hoped that an operation, called a selective dorsal rhizotomy, will allow the resilient youngster to walk unaided.

The operation along with two years of aftercare costs £50,000 with the Moger family potentially having to travel to America for the surgery.

Layla’s family, led by parents Kelly Marie Smith and Joe Moger, have launched the Steps For Layla campaign, to raise £50,000 to ensure the resilient toddler will be able to take her own first steps.

Loving mum Kelly, 27, said she was determined to strut her stuff to raise money for her daughter’s operation.

“The way I will get through this is through hard work and thinking of Layla when I do it,” she said.

And Kelly Marie said Layla doesn’t let anything hold her back.

“Layla loves dancing too so this is perfect for her. She’s really excited about getting started and dancing for hours, it’s what she loves the most.

“Thank you to everyone in Swindon who has donated so far, the response has been really positive so far and we just want to keep it going and get Layla’s story out to as many people as possible now.”

A raffle was also held with a top prize of a luxury champagne and chocolate filled hamper donated by Toothill Shops.

All proceeds from the Zumbathon and raffle will be donated to the Steps for Layla campaign.

To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/steps4layla/

For information search Steps For Layla on Facebook or email stepsforlayla@outlook.com