A CHARITY zumbathon is being held by dancer Aaron Dwyer to raise vital funds after his granddad was diagnosed with cancer.

Aaron, 25, a professional dancer and choreographer, is putting on the event at the Meca in Regent’s Circus next month, with the money going to the Great Western Hospital.

Granddad John Withers was diagnosed with cancer last year, and although he has now been given the all-clear, Aaron wants a radiotherapy unit for the hospital.

John had to travel 80 miles to Oxford and back every day for eight weeks last year while he had his chemotherapy, and Aaron believes people in Swindon should not have to endure such an ordeal.

Aaron, who holds zumba classes in his spare time, has organised a three-hour session of the fitness dance class on Saturday, April 13, between 1.30pm and 4.30pm.

He said: “I want to try and raise £5,000 and put it towards getting a radiotherapy centre at the Great Western Hospital.

“The money can’t go directly to that because there is no funding set up for it yet so it will go to the hospital.

“I am a Zumba instructor and I thought it would be a good fun way for people to raise money.

“Zumba is great and anybody can do it, so I want to fill the Meca and have a great day. I have already got a good response to it and think it will be a really good event.

“People can join in by just paying £10 or they can also raise money through sponsorship with forms available from our website.”

John said: “I was going to the John Radcliffe hospital five days a week for eight weeks while I was getting treatment.

“I don’t think anyone who is going through treatment like that should have to travel so far. “I was one of the lucky ones but I do think it would be good if the GWH had a radiotherapy centre. Aaron is magic and I think what he is doing is fantastic, and he is not doing it for himself – he is doing itfor others. I will try and get involved but shall be at the back!”

Last year, the Adver backed a campaign to get a radiotherapy unit at GWH.

Aaron will be joined by instructors Cheryl Loxton and Paul Greenhood on the day. He is grateful to Meca for providing the facilities free of charge and also Copy Colour, who have created 5,000 leaflets at no charge.

To find out more and reserve your space, visit www.solodance.co.uk