THREE determined friends combined music and fitness to edge closer to their target of raising £5000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK at last Saturday's zumbathon at Bridgewater High School.

Sharon Harris, Bridget Francis and Charlotte Comer organised the two-hour charity event, at the Appleton school, to raise vital funds after Sharon's mum sadly lost her battle against the illness in 2011.

The trio are gearing up for a year of fundraising activities which will see them walk up Mount Snowdon next month before a once in a lifetime trek of the Great Wall of China in October.

The zumbathon attracted around 50 people and Sharon is urging even more people to come forward to help the cause.

"My beautiful mum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer only a few weeks before she passed away," she said.

"Sadly this seems to be case with many other people and my motivation is to help fund research so that others will not have to suffer in the same way.

"It was a fabulous day on the Saturday and we are hoping for more events like this. It was quite tough but the fitness side of things is getting easier and the more support that we get also helps, otherwise it can be quite lonely in a way.

"I am just glad that we are raising awarenesses for pancreatic cancer which many people suffer from and unfortunately the outcome is usually not good."

With attention shifting to upcoming events, Sharon is confident the training is going to stand the trio in good stead.

"I chose to trek the Great Wall of China as my mum lived part of her life in Hong Kong and went to the wall herself.

"I have been training hard for this event and the zumbathon is a great, fun part of this training."

So far, £388 of the £5000 target has been raised.

For further information visit www.justgiving.com/Sharon-Harris6.