A group of ‘crazy legged’ dancers gave a leg up to charity with a boogie on Brighton beach to raise awareness of a sponsored event next month.
Eight Dancefit members donned wacky leggings and leg-warmers to highlight the Crazy Legs challenge for Cancer Research UK’s Stand Up To Cancer.
A joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, Stand Up To Cancer aims to raise money to fund vital research which will get new and better treatments to cancer patients faster.
As part of this year’s campaign, schools, offices, friends and family are being challenged to dress up their pins and get sponsored to wear a silly bottom half for a day.
DanceFit instructors Hayley Coppard and Hayley Jones, who run their adult class at Bird Studios, Brighton, put the women through their paces as a warm-up to a fundraising event called the Big Beats Dance Jam on October 16.
Hayley Coppard said: “We’ve had a great time being a part of the Crazy Legs challenge with our DanceFit ladies. Our class is all about having a laugh whilst getting fit so dancing in crazy leggings just adds to the fun.
“Like any group, some of the members of our class have friends and family who have been affected by cancer, so this is a cause close to our hearts and we wanted to do our bit to help beat this devastating disease.”
The two Hayleys have organised the Big Beats Dance Jam to promote a healthy, active lifestyle and all profits raised on the night will go to Cancer Research UK. The ‘jam’, at the King Alfred Leisure Centre, includes free classes, guest teachers, performances and a raffle. It is suitable for any age and no dance experience necessary!
Hayley added: “We’ll be continuing the crazy legs themes at the ‘Big Beats Dance Jam’. It’s an honour to support Stand Up To Cancer and help raise money to fund research that saves lives.”
Lynn Daly, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for Sussex, said: “The DanceFit group is leading the way and standing up to cancer in style. “From office workers in jazzy tights, teachers in clown trousers, firemen in flippers or rugby players in tutus, we’re asking people of all walks of life to go barmy on their bottom halves this October.
“By taking on the Crazy Legs challenge, they’ll be helping to raise crucial cash for life-saving cancer research. Simply pull on a ridiculous bottom half for the day and either make a donation or get sponsored by friends and family.”
Launched in the UK in 2012, Stand Up To Cancer has already raised over £23.8million. This year’s campaign is up and running now, and is the subject of an evening of special programming on Channel 4 on Friday 9 October.
Lynn added: “Money raised by Stand Up To Cancer is helping to change the face of cancer research by funding clinical trials. This means new and improved treatments can be tested and then given to people who need them most.
“One in two people in the UK will develop cancer at some point in their lives and there’s still much more to do to ensure no-one’s life is cut short by this devastating disease. That’s why we need everyone to join us and make a stand against cancer now.”
For more information about Big Beats Dance Jam, visit www.dancefit-brighton.co.uk/events. For more information and to get involved in Stand Up To Cancer, visit standuptocancer.org.uk.
