Nicki hosts charity Zumbathon to help victims of abuse and isolated older women
A dance party with a difference is being staged by the founder of a local charity in celebration of her 60th birthday.
Nicki Alvey, who lives in Farnham, wants to put on her two-hour 'Zumbathon' on Saturday (June 22) to raise money for the Nicki Alvey Bazlinton Trust, which she established in 2015 with the Essex Community Foundation (ECF).
In 1995, Nikki moved from London to the outskirts of Bishop's Stortford with her husband, Chris Bazlinton. Unable to have children of her own, and after losing one of her three stepchildren in an accident at Elsenham's level crossing in 2005, she decided to establish her trust to create a legacy.
She supports victims of abuse, young women who want to gain an education or gain independence, and activities which help older women who are isolated.
Nicki volunteers as a magistrate in North Essex, and through this role she has met people she feels would benefit from having support to improve their life skills and coping mechanisms, particularly if they are in a coercive relationship.
Her 60th birthday fundraiser will feature three Zumba teachers: Stortford duo Isamar Martins and Petra Alexandra Slaba, and Lady P Zumba from Watton-at-Stone.
Nicki, who has been doing Zumba for nine years, hopes that Zumba fanatics, as well as newcomers, will attend the event at 1Life Mountfitchet Romeera Leisure Centre in Stansted Mountfitchet on Saturday between 2pm and 4pm.
“The Zumbathon fundraiser is a fun way that people can come together to raise money for serious issues," Nicki said. "By working with ECF, I know that every penny will go towards helping the most pressing issues in communities across the county.”
The event is suitable for all levels of fitness and anyone can take part. For more information and to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nicki-alvey-bazlinton.