A GREENOCK fitness instructor stepped in to help raise £1,600 for charity.

Jennifer Sutherland took part in Scotland’s first ever Fitstepathon in Milngavie.

The Scottish Spina Bifida Association and Lanzani Dance and Fitness held the two-hour fundraising spectacular and needed another teacher to ensure it went ahead.

Jennifer, 37, teaches the Strictly Come Dancing inspired class in Westburn Church hall on Wednesdays and was happy to volunteer her services.

She said: “It was a wonderful event which I’m delighted I could be part of. More than 50 ladies attended, including some of my class from Greenock, and we all had a ball dancing our favourite Strictly moves from rumba and salsa through to the cha cha cha.” Jennifer, of Denholm Street, has been volunteering for the charity for eight years through her friend who works there.

The organisation relies heavily on donations to keep up its good work.

Clare Cogan Turner, assistant director of fundraising at the SSBA gave some insight on what events like this mean to the charity.

She said: “With less than one per cent in government funding, the association relies on fundraising events and donation to reach our annual target of nearly £1 million.

“Without the goodwill of people like Jennifer and Eilidh of Lanzani Dance volunteering their time and services to help us raise funds, we simply wouldn’t be able to provide support to more than 3,500 people across Scotland.

“We are very grateful to both of them for all their hard work in running the event which will allow us to give hope to all who ask for our help.” Boosted by the success, Jennifer is now thinking of holding a similar event in Greenock.

Fitsteps was developed by Natalie Lowe and Ian Waite from Strictly Come Dancing. It is helping people to get in shape whilst learning the dance steps they watch on the TV show.

Jennifer’s classes run between 6.30 and 7.30pm and beginners are always welcome. For more information call Jennifer on 07709 340675.

The SSBA are Scotland’s only charity dedicated to providing support to people affected by spina bifida, hydrocephalus and related conditions.

If you are affected or would like for further information, please visit www.ssba.org.uk or call 01236 794500.