Victoria Jones, who runs fitness and dance classes throughout west Dorset, is this year celebrating 15 years of teaching Zumba in the community.

Victoria, who lives in Weymouth, trained at the prestigious London dance school Italia Conte and has taught fitness classes for 30 years, throughout her career as a dancer.

Victoria Jones, has been running Zumba classes in Weymouth and Dorchester for 15 years (Image: Victoria Jones)

To mark the occasion, the 51-year-old is holding a Zumbathon on Saturday, May 23, and will be donating all proceeds to Two Little Birds – The Riley and Trey Foundation.

The charity was set up last year in memory of Riley Ellis, 17 and Trey Rodd, 15, two friends who tragically took their own lives just a few months apart in 2022.

The foundation aims to support local youth mental health services across Dorset while honouring the lives of the close friends.

Their families held their first major fundraiser for the charity in September last year in a ‘Rock for Riley’ concert, but have raised thousands for other charities prior to that in their honour.

READ MORE Weymouth: Rock for Riley returns in aid of new charity | Dorset Echo

Victoria said: “This event means a great deal to me personally, not only as a celebration of 15 years of teaching in our community, but also as an opportunity to give back and support such an important cause locally.

“I have a lot of people that come to my class and I am hoping for a good amount. It is really just trying to raise awareness and I am hoping people from the past might come along for a bit of a challenge.”

The event will take place at Upwey and Broadwey Memorial Hall from 10.30am until 1.30pm.

The event will be a fun, inclusive session open to all abilities, with a mix of high and low energy routines so as many people can get involved as possible.

So far, Victoria has raised £150 of her £500 target.

Donations which secures a ticket to the event are available through the JustGiving Page here Victoria Jones is fundraising for Two Little Birds The Riley and Trey Foundation. Tickets can alternatively be purchased for £15 on the day.