AN INSTRUCTOR is holding a zumbathon in memory of her friend who died tragically young.

Kelly Lopez is holding the event to raise money for the The Faye Knowles Chapman Foundation which was set up to raise money and awareness of cervical cancer.

The charities aims to educate woman about the importance of cervical screening and help to privately fund tests for women who show symptoms of the cancer but are under the national screening age of 25.

The charity also campaigns for the national screening age to be lowered, especially for women who go to the doctors with symptoms to prevent other people dying because cervical cancer is not diagnosed earlier.

“My friend Faye started showing symptoms of cervical cancer when she was 24 but as she was under the national screening age she was refused a smear.

“When she finally had one after her 25th birthday the cancer had hold. She died last year aged 27.”

Kelly, of Askwith Road, Hindley, is a licensed zumba instructor and decided to hold the event at Lowton Civic Hall from 11.30am on April 26 to mark one year since Faye’s death.

“Faye’s family set up the foundation to campaign for women under 25 to be screened if they present with the symptoms and to privately fund tests when necessary,” said 32-year-old administrator for Leigh district nurses.

Several other women have died from the disease recently after they were said to have been refused the crucial test because they were too young for example, 19-year-old Sophie Jones who died in March.

Participants can turn up on the day and pay the £10 donation to take part or come along as supporters and enjoy the day which will also feature a raffle.