Keep fit fanatic's zumbathon plans after marathon hopes dashed (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cirencester Leisure Centre's Paula Watson plans charity zumbathon

11:00am Thursday 7th March 2013 in News By Emma Boden

DESPITE being told she couldn’t run the London Marathon for medical reasons a Cirencester leisure worker won’t let it stop her raising money for charity.

Paula Watson, a customer advisor at Cirencester Leisure Centre, was told by her doctor not to run due to a knee injury. So instead she is holding a 100 minute-long charity Zumbathon.

Paula said she hoped people of all ages will attend the group dance-based fitness session.

“ I wanted to do something fun like Zumba so children and grandparents can come along.

“I was absolutely gutted when I couldn’t run the Marathon, but by doing this I feel like I am still taking part.”

Paula is raising money for the MS Trust, the Stroke Association and Asthma UK.

Paul Watson is organising three non-stop zumbathons

“I was absolutely gutted when I couldn’t run the Marathon, but by doing this I feel like I am still taking part.”

She said all three charities were close to her heart and she hopes to raise over £1,500 for each. “My late mother suffered from multiple sclerosis and I used to work as a physiotherapist on the stroke ward at Gloucestershire Hospital,” said the 42-year-old who also suffers from asthma.

Paula has planned to hold another event in Worcester next month.

The free event takes place at Cirencester Leisure Centre on Saturday March 9.

There is no need to book and all donations from the day will go to charity.