Holcombe and Frome-based yoga teacher, Maddie Norris, raised £260 for the Willberry Wonder Pony charity, across two hour-long sessions.

Willberry Wonder Pony is a charity set up with the intention of making the equestrian-related wishes of terminally ill children come true. On top of this, the charity aims to support research into curing bone cancer.

Maddie, who was a close family friend of Willberry Wonder Pony founder, Hannah Francis, held two free yoga classes in Holcombe Village Hall last week, with any donations being paid directly to the charity.

The Francis and Norris families have been friends for over a decade, initially bonding over their love of Showjumping.

The classes were intended as fun taster-sessions, where total beginners and the more experienced alike could take part. As well as a donation tin, Willberry Wonder Pony had also donated branded pin badges, pens and wristbands, which were on sale at the second class.

Maddie said: “I wanted to use my passion for yoga to show my admiration, and to celebrate the life of such a strong girl. My family and I were close with Hannah, and knew just how amazing she was. We all have a duty to keep her memory alive by raising awareness and money for her charity.

“I’ve been teaching for just over a year, and I love the energy yoga creates – the sense of positivity that can be made in a session. I am driven by witnessing my students develop, and also by the impact yoga has on peoples’ lives.”