A zumba exercise class to raise money for a leukaemia charity will be held on March 5.

About 300 men, women and children are expected to help raise money for the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT) at the two events by doing a latin-inspired dance work out.

The first will be held at Bridge Park Community Centre, Harrow Road between 12.30pm and 2pm and the other will take place at Fairfield Halls between 2pm and 4pm.

Following a tough economic year of funding cuts, the ACLT need £80,000 by the end of March to carry on with their vital work.

So far, generous supporters have raised an amazing £32,902, but the charity have just eight weeks to raise enough money to carry on going.

The ACLT is fighting to shorten the odds on survival for ethnic minorities suffering from Leukaemia.

Black and Asian leukaemia sufferers have only a 1 in 100,000 chance of finding a bone marrow match compared to 1 in 5 for white people.

Beverley De-Gale and Orin Lewis, ACLT founders said: "Zumba is a great introduction to exercise. We really want the public to support the ACLT Zumbathons to help keep the ACLT alive.

"Together we have helped to save many, many lives and this work is now in severe jeopardy.

"Our closure has serious implications on the charity’s immediate future.

"More importantly, the future health of all patients and their families we support now and those who will need our help in the future will endure more heartache.

"The NHS services will be put under more pressure and will struggle to find racially-matched lifesavers."

Zumba instructor and an ACLT Volunteer, Pier Johnson said: "What better way to stop this life saving charity from closing than to have a Zumbathon in Daniel De Gale’s hometown?

"This is one party you really shouldn’t miss; it is all about making every move count for the ACLT."

Croydon Virgin Active will be providing free fitness advice and passes worth £15, to everyone that registers and takes part at the Fairfield Halls Zumbathon.

To take part in the Zumbathon, costs £15 for adults and £10 for children under 16.

All proceeds go to the ACLT.

For registration forms and further information, contact: Pier Johnson on 07768 411611, email info@aclt.org or visit www.aclt.org.