AN ARMY of dancers donned their Lycra and trainers to shake, twist and wiggle the afternoon away as part of a fundraising Zumbathon on Sunday.

The event was organised by instructor Hender Corredor-Escalante and Zumba enthusiast Amanda Sykes, who has been learning the Latin-inspired cardio-dance workout for five years.

They decided to rally the troops by inviting friends, family and other members of the public to come together and have a good time for the Brighter Futures appeal, which is aiming to raise more than £2m to equip a new radiotherapy centre at Great Western Hospital.

It is a cause close to Amanda’s heart as her father Ken Bendell, 74, of Eldene, has cancer.

And around 100 people gathered inside the Supermarine Sports and Social Club while more than 14 instructors showed them the ropes.

Amanda, 45, said: “My dad was recently diagnosed with cancer and when we were on the oncologist ward we were made aware of the Brighter Futures appeal and I thought it would be nice to raise some money for it.

“It was an amazing event and the whole atmosphere was great. I’ve had so many people saying how good it was.

“We had numerous instructors from Swindon and the surrounding areas for two hours of complete Zumba dance.

“At the moment we have raised £1,140 but lots of sponsorship forms are still to come in and we are hoping to raise £1,700.

“I want to say thanks for everyone’s support, it was an amazing day and we raised a lot of money for a great cause.”

Instructor Hender, 36, of North Swindon, who teaches Zumba in Swindon and trains people all over the UK, said: “It was amazing – the support, the energy and the smiles on everyone’s faces.

“I have been through that situation like Amanda and two of my aunts died from cancer, so I immediately said yes when she asked me if I could do something.

“Everybody was there for one reason; to dance together for a really good cause."