A sponsored ’pink pilates’ group exercise session has raised £1,206 for Isle of Man Breast Care.

The event, held outdoors at Rushen Abbey, was pink-themed as part of the Pink October initiative, which sees hundreds of businesses turn pink to raise money for breast cancer-related charities and causes.

Forty-four people attended the workout, run by Elizabeth Main of Lizzy Pilates IOM.

The money was raised through collections, a raffle, and the selling of jars of jam.

Elizabeth has been holding these charity workouts for 10 years running.

She said: ’The afternoon was filled with laughter and enjoyment as we exercised outdoors where we all felt safe [as a precaution against coronavirus].

’There was a mix of all ages from little toddlers to those of more mature years.

’I was thrilled that Sharon Maddrell was present from Isle of Man Breast Care my chosen charity.

’We presented her with a bouquet at the end.

’Many thanks go to Manx National Heritage and in particular sites manager Carolyn Greggor, for once again allowing me to host an outdoor class.’

Ellan Vannin Pipes and Drums also attended to ’warm up the crowd’.

One of the pipers lost his sister to breast cancer a few years ago.

Isle of Man Breast Care is a breast cancer support group run by volunteers who have all had breast cancer.

It support patients and their families ’emotionally, practically and financially’.

It describes the donations it receives as going ’directly to helping those suffering hardship while going through their treatment and beyond if needed’.

People can still donate to Elizabeth’s fundraiser at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Lizzy-Main.