MORE THAN £1,500 was raised for a children’s cancer charity with a Dawn ‘til Dusk Pilatethon.

The 12 hours of pilates, in Horsforth, were taught by staff at the Physiofit Leeds physiotherapy practice. The money raised will go the Candlelighters – a charity formed and run by parents of children with cancer, as well as ex-patients and the medical staff who treat them. Candlelighters provides essential services and support to children and their families.

The Pilatethon took place on Sunday, October 19 at the Walnut Tree Physio Centre in Horsforth. It included classes for everyone, from the early birds at 7am, to a men only class, kids and teen classes. Organisers said more than 100 people had attended, making the day a great success. All those taking part were rewarded with bacon sandwiches and cake, donated by regular class members.

Among those attending were Beth Kaminsky and Stephanie Jones, from the Candlelighters fundraising team, who joined a fitball class.

They said “We had so much fun taking part in the Pilatethon at Physiofit. It was fantastic to see so many people from the local community coming together to support Candlelighters. Without the help of people like this we wouldn’t be able to continue our vital work supporting children with cancer in Yorkshire. Thank you so much to everybody who took part.”

Jenny Heron the director of Physiofit Leeds, said more than eight in 10 children with cancer now survive, compared to just three in 10 in the 1960s – something which has been achieved in part with help from the Candlelighters.

She added: “The day went better than I had hoped, and we have raised over £1,500 for Candelighters. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers who helped make it such a success. The classes were so popular we are now considering the possibility of offering Men Only and Under 16s Pilates on a regular basis.”