Three local mums are teaming up this week as part of an effort to raise some of the final amount needed to buy a ‘Safespace’ for six-year-old Harry, from Paulton, who has a severe form of autism which means he is unaware of danger.

Harry’s mum, Zoe-Mae Burlton, is a member of local instructor, Louise Baggaley’s zumba classes and hearing of her effort, Louise, fellow fitness instructor, Kezzie Burt and local mum, Jo Briggs, have organised a two-hour dance fitness party at Chilcompton Village Hall this Friday, from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Having raised a fantastic £6,800 in a short space of time, Harry’s Safespace appeal is £1,200 away from the £8,000 needed to buy the little boy a custom-built padded space with wipeover walls to keep him safe whilst his family are trying to sleep.

Harry does not sleep well at night and due to his condition, has the mental development of less than twelve months. He needs care around the clock and has no interest in toys or food – he will, instead, tear apart, rip up and try to eat whatever he can find, picking at carpets and walls. The new safespace will also mean that Harry will be able to go to his grandmother and other carers, with them knowing that he is safe, so that his family can have some respite and allowing for short breaks with Harry, something not managed since he was born.

The community has fully backed Zoe-Mae’s fundraising effort for her son. Just last month, Terry and Caroline Wynne MBE, from Paulton Hospital’s League of Friends charity shop, presented Zoe-Mae with a cheque for £1,000 raised through the generosity of the shop’s customers and those who had a go on their tombola at summer events in the area.

The zumba event on Friday will be a two-hour dance fitness party, which also includes the launch of a new class, Clubbercise. The evening is open to anyone who loves to dance, whilst having fun with friends – you do not need to be a zumba expert or fitness fanatic! One of the organisers, Jo Briggs, said: “There will be an hour-and-a-half of zumba and half an hour to try the new clubbercise – the event is open to anyone of any age, who is up for a laugh and owns a pair of trainers and a water bottle!

“The only thing we would say is that anyone who is photosensitive or suffers from epilepsy should not take part, as there will be flashing lights, however, there are raffle tickets that can be bought instead. Every ticket to the event and raffle ticket we sell, means we are one step closer to helping buy Harry’s safespace. It will completely transform the family’s life. Please come and support us!”

The event will also see cupcakes for sale, with the top prize in the raffle being a Mulberry handbag, generously donated by the Chilcompton-based company.

If you cannot make the event, but would like to support Harry’s cause by buying a raffle ticket, they are available from the Hub Grub café in Paulton and Feet1st4U, in The Island, Midsomer Norton.

Tickets to the zumba event can be bought from Louise: 07747 105811 or Kezzie: 07446 146011, or can be purchased on the door on the night at a slightly higher price. To follow the progress of Harry’s appeal, visit: https://www.facebook.com/harryssafespace or to donate, go to: https://www.gofundme.com/8zf7ja8zbc