Teddington disability charity Ruils, is teaming up with local Zumba instructor, Diego Avila, to hold an online Zumba challenge to raise money for its Befriending service for disabled young people in Kingston and Richmond.

The online event, which will take place on Saturday 27th March at 9.30am, aims to attract more than 200 participants and raise over £2,000. Every penny raised will fund one-to-one befriending for disabled children, to help them ease out of lockdown, get out and about and build their confidence.

Anyone interested in taking part should click HERE to sign up for a suggested donation of £10.

Cathy Maker, chief executive of Ruils said: "In a typical year we provide around 10,000 hours of support to local children, working with up to 100 families and 70 befrienders.

"This year has been even more challenging for those families who have children with additional needs and disabilities and many need our support more than ever. Our befriending service aims to help disabled young people to get out and enjoy activities of their choice with a peer, which they may not have the ability or confidence to attend alone."

Diego Avila is a local Zumba instructor as well as an integrative counsellor.

He said: "I am thrilled to be running this online Zumba challenge with Ruils, which I hope will raise the funds needed to continue the great work it does supporting young disabled children.

"This is a cause close to my heart as I started my career by volunteering at Ruils as a trainee counsellor, before going on to work as an integrative counsellor across Richmond borough.

"I encourage anyone and everyone to join us on 27th March - whether you are new to Zumba or a seasoned expert, I guarantee you will have fun!"

Families interested in finding out more about the service should click HERE

Anyone wishing to join Diego's Zumba classes on a more regular basis should visit his website www.diegofitness.com