Palgrave cancer survivor Amy Bobbins has raised £9,000 for a charity that offers gifts to those undergoing treatment

A dance fitness instructor, who survived cancer, has helped to raise almost £9,000 after being inspired by a gift during her own treatment.

Amy Bobbins, from Palgrave, was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2022 and underwent 23 radiotherapy sessions and surgery, before being given the all-clear.

“I had to undergo more radiotherapy sessions than initially expected, so I was feeling quite low,” she said.

“During one of my visits, I was given a little box, which was filled with things like moisturiser, tea, candles, deodorant, face masks and other things.

“It cheered me up and I decided that, once I was feeling better, I’d start volunteering for the charity behind it, Little Lifts.”

As well as volunteering with every fortnight, the 41-year-old set herself the challenge of raising funds for the charity – and held a four-hour dance fitness session at Rickinghall Village Hall on Sunday.

“All of the 36 people who joined had been raising money individually and, collectively, we managed to raise around £8,900,” she said.

“One person even managed to raise more than £800 and I gave them a year’s free sessions at my Tribe ALL Fitness dance classes.”

The money raised will provide 200 gift boxes for people undergoing radiotherapy treatment.

“My own experiences have given me perspective,” she said. “It has made me so grateful that I can still do these things.

“I did continue teaching my classes twice a week during radiotherapy because I needed that purpose.

“I’m so humbled and grateful that so many people, regardless of their fitness levels, came along to my fundraiser on Sunday – everyone wanted to help out.

“Some even suggested we do an event every year, but I haven’t got to thinking that far ahead just yet.”

To donate to the cause, go online to bit.ly/49bslu5.