A LOCAL woman is demonstrating her flexibility as a fundraiser by putting on free pilates classes in aid of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth.

Wendy Jamieson, 54, from Lee Mill has a daytime job as a counsellor, but is also a qualified pilates trainer.

She said: ‘I became interested in pilates because, like many people, I do a sedentary job and it’s hard to get enough exercise.

‘I found, however, that most local classes were either over-subscribed, very costly or at unsuitable times of the day. That’s why I decided to train as a pilates instructor.

‘I am hoping that my class will give others an opportunity to benefit from gentle, non-impact exercise in a pleasant environment at a time of day that suits working people. The classes are structured so that you can join at any time, whether you are a beginner or more experienced.’

Wendy’s classes, on Tuesdays at 7pm, are free, although she is inviting donations to St Luke’s. They take place in the main function room of The Westward Inn, Lee Mill, and the manager Louisa Hutchings has waived the cost of the room so that every penny raised will be used to sponsor a St Luke’s nurse.

Wendy is asking that people please bring their own mats, and emphasises that donations are voluntary, so everyone is welcome no matter how much or how little they can afford to give.

St Luke’s senior community fundraiser Nina Wearne said: ‘This is a fantastic fundraiser, a great way to combine keeping fit with supporting the work of our nursing team. St Luke’s currently have more than 80 nurses in operation, providing specialist care in a variety of settings including for patients at home, in Derriford Hospital and at our hospice in Turnchapel.

‘Without the generous support of people like Wendy, we wouldn’t be able to deliver this care to over 3,000 people every year. ‘Sponsor a Nurse’ is a great way for our fundraisers to have a direct impact on the end of life care delivered to people in their community.’

Wendy can be contacted via email at [email protected] or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WWW-Pilates.