Fitness to fight cancer

Instructors and organisers getting ready for tomorrow’s Breastfit fundraiser for cancer are (from...
Instructors and organisers getting ready for tomorrow’s Breastfit fundraiser for cancer are (from left) Erica Stedman, Leeann Smith, Sommer O’Shea, Jennie Waide, Tash Columbus, Alice Sanders and Dee Birks. Photo: Stephen Jaquiery
Girl power will be harnessed to its maximum potential this weekend, to raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer New Zealand.

The fundraiser, which has already sold  all of its 140 tickets, came about when members of a bootcamp group at Teamtash Gym in Dunedin, found out one of their team-mates had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Leeann Smith, Jennie Waide, Alice Sanders and Tammy Ung wanted to help their friend, who they described as a "beautiful and amazing woman", and  decided to incorporate group fitness, as that was how they met.

The group came up with Breastfit, to be held today at Kavanaugh College gym.

The group teamed up with Teamtash Gym owner and Breastfit co-ordinator Tash Columbus, who will lead a 45-minute group fitness session as part of the event.

"Everyone is going to be wearing pink tutus and activewear, so it’s going to be a fun way to raise money for a great cause.

"Everyone knows someone who has been affected by breast cancer. It’s never easy but at least we feel like we’re doing something positive."

Ms Columbus said she was excited to lead the biggest group workout of her career, and the event lined up perfectly with the ethos of her gym.

"Our ultimate goal is to educate, inspire and empower women to take ownership of their bodies and this includes regular self-checks," she said.

The group hoped to raise over $10,000 from the event and a silent auction before it, for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

- Gus Patterson

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