A FITNESS instructor from Thornbury is hoping to get everyone on their feet to help raise money to send her to Peru in aid of charity.

Helen Hales, 34, is launching a new fitness class to help raise the funds needed for her to hike up Macchu Pichu on the Lares Trail in Peru.

Mrs Hales will be making the 4,490-metre trek up the mountain to raise money for the National Deaf Children’s Society in support of two of her nephews who are both deaf and benefit from the charity.

The National Deaf Children’s Society campaigns for the rights of all deaf children and also supports children and their families living with deafness.

Mrs Hales will be setting off on her 10-day trek in November but needs to raise £3,649, which will cover the cost of the trip and raise money for the Society.

"Even though I am not raising money specifically for Thornbury I hope the community will get behind me and support this because it is something that is very close to my heart and will benefit a lot of children across the country," said Mrs Hales.

Between now and the trek Mrs Hales has lots of fundraising events planned, including a quiz night, raffle and new fitness classes.

Mrs Hales already runs a number of successful fitness classes in and around Thornbury but after the Easter break she is planning a new class with all money going towards her trek in Peru.

"The fundraising is going well, I have had some very generous offers and donations from people, but I am also hoping to run a fitness class which will raise money for the trip," she said.

The class, called Jabercise, will involve non-contact choreographed boxing moves, which are high calorie burning.

The classes will be held on Monday nights, starting on Monday, April 20 (8pm) at Manorbrook School, Thornbury.

To book a place on the class call Helen Hales on 01454 413898 or to show your support visit www.justgiving.com/helenhales