Women dance in 13-hour charity zumbathon

A group of women in the Yorkshire Dales have taken part in a 13-hour charity zumbathon.

They gathered in the Arkengarthdale community hub on Monday evening to dance throughout the night.

The event was held in memory of 13-year-old Helen Ashton, who died from cancer and is the inspiration for her mum June Ashton's fundraising.

More than £4000 was raised for breast cancer research from the event alone, as part of Pinktober.

Speaking prior to the event, Ms Ashton said: "The ladies all meet on a Monday evening in the Arkengarthdale community hub, which is the church up there.

"They have an hour's zumbathon and one of them decided to do an overnight one to raise money for breast cancer and support Pinktober."

She explained the length of 13 hours was chosen to commemorate the age Helen died.

The church was set up with a projector, music and snacks for the challenge, which ran from 20:00 BST on Monday to 09:00 BST on Tuesday.

Women taking part dressed in pink Cancer Research UK t-shirts and a group was always on the dancefloor throughout the night.

As well as the zumbathon, Ms Ashton has set up several other events in Reeth and Arkengarthdale for Pinktober.

It is her second year spearheading the events, after raising about £14,000 last year.

"This year it has taken on a life of its own," Ms Ashton said.

"Each event is extremely well-attended so we're very grateful because the community this year has got behind Pinktober without even being asked."

She added Reeth had been turned pink with bunting in support of the cause.

Encouraged by Helen's appeal when she was ill, Ms Ashton has carried on fundraising over the years and has now totalled about £300,000.

"She wanted to do her bit and we just carried on in her name," Ms Ashton said.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.