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Why 80-plus dancers are getting ready to Zumba on Black Isle





Sarah Byham, Alma and Maru Fraser (seated) and Michael Hanratty, Community Fundraising Office – Highlands & Islands (back) with some of the ladies from the Zumbathon to raise money for the air ambulance service which essentially helped save Alma life.Picture: Callum Mackay.
Sarah Byham, Alma and Maru Fraser (seated) and Michael Hanratty, Community Fundraising Office – Highlands & Islands (back) with some of the ladies from the Zumbathon to raise money for the air ambulance service which essentially helped save Alma life.Picture: Callum Mackay.

EIGHTY-plus dancers will shake up a Black Isle leisure centre tomorrow, inspired by a great cause.

At the heart of the community response is the family of 12-year-old Alma Fraser, whose diagnosis with hydrocephalus during her final year at Avoch Primary set in motion a dramatic sequence of events credited with saving her life.

The role played by Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) – which took her from Raigmore Hospital to the Royal Children's Hospital in Glasgow, for a potentially life-saving operation from neurosurgeons – has prompted Alma’s family to organise an event which puts the ‘fun’ into fundraiser.

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A dance fitness Zumbathon at the Black Isle Leisure Centre in Fortrose tomorrow (Saturday, April 26) has already seen in excess of 80 dancers sign up, with £2670 already pledged.

With more expected to arrive at the door on the day, it promises to be a fun-filled day, running from 10am to 1pm. Refreshments will also be available. A specially designed T-shirt created by local artist Rachel Bevan Baker has also been a hit.

Speaking ahead of the event, Maru said: “We are all super organised. We have to use the main hall at the leisure centre as we have over 80 people dancing! And more will come to door.

“North Kessock Primary School is lending us their stage so that the Zumba instructor can be seen from everywhere. .We have raised so far £2670, which is amazing.”

Alma Fraser was helped by SCAA.
Alma Fraser was helped by SCAA.
Alma Fraser.
Alma Fraser.

Now a pupil at Fortrose Academy, she has undergone months of treatment and in January of this year inspired an £11,000 fundraising drive by a team of Strathpuffer cyclists for The Archie Foundation, which helps families facing extended periods of hospital care, often far from home.

The SCAA chopper arrives to take Alma for surgery in Glasgow.
The SCAA chopper arrives to take Alma for surgery in Glasgow.

You can find out more and chip in to the fundraiser here.


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