whg’s Carrie limbers up for charity ‘Zumbathon’

Published by kerri smith for whg in Housing and also in Communities

A housing advisor with fitness fervour is preparing to lead a two hour exercise class in memory of her late stepfather, a long-serving parish and district councillor.

whg colleague Carrie Beckett will hold the Zumba session between 4-6pm on Saturday, 23rd June at Great Wyrley Performing Arts High School. Tickets cost £10 and all proceeds will be donated to Marie Curie Cancer Cure and St Giles Hospice.

Carrie has organised the fundraiser in memory of her stepfather Brian Wood, who passed away in March 2011, aged 65, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. Brian worked at Walsall Council and was an elected member of both South Staffordshire Council and Great Wyrley Parish Council.

Carrie, a qualified fitness instructor, hopes to raise £1,000 through the workout which is open to all abilities and ages.

She said: “My stepdad’s death followed his diagnosis very quickly and the support he and our family received from Marie Curie and St Giles was incredible from the start. This is our way of saying thanks to those people who were there for us and also to help them continue their important work.”

Gary Fulford, whg Chief Executive, said colleagues were proud of Carrie for using her passion to support two worthy causes while paying tribute to her stepfather. “We encourage whg teams to

strengthen local communities, for example by taking part in our regular Community Benefit Days, and it’s inspiring to see this also

happening on a personal level.”

Tickets and further details are available by contacting fellow fitness instructor Ali Shaw, who will be teaching the Zumbathon with Carrie. Call Ali on 07814 731091 or visit ‘Zumba West Midlands’ on

Facebook to find out more.