Fitness-fanatics were put through their paces this week, at a special Zumba dance class to raise cash for Luna Petagine.

About 22 women descended on Parents Paradise in Greatham Road, Watford, to take part in the Latin-inspired fitness craze.

Paying a minimum of £5, the ladies were led by instructor Nikki Clarke from Bushey – an expert in Zumba.

Wendy Atwood, owner of the children’s play centre, decided to organise the event after seeing Luna’s plight in the Watford Observer.

She said she thought it would be a fun and unusual way to raise cash for the little girl and plans to hold the sessions every Monday night this month.

Luna, four, has an ependymona brain tumour and will die unless she has pioneering treatment in the United States.

The life-saving procedure, which is performed at The Burzynski Clinic in Houston, Texas, costs £20,000 for preliminary tests, which will establish whether Luna is suitable for treatment.

If she is, further care will cost an additional £50,000.

Among those joining in on Monday evening’s session was Luna’s mum Lucy Salamone.

She said: “My partner Mario and I are very touched by the huge amount of support we have received for Luna.”

More than than £200 was raised from the event.

• To find out more visit: www.lunapetagine.co.uk

• Holding a fundraising event for Luna? Email: amulderrig@london.newsquest.co.uk

• To donate money to Luna's Community Appeal Fund visit: www.justgiving.com/lunaappealfund

• Donations can also be sent to Luna via the News Room, Watford Observer, Observer House, Caxton Way, Watford, WD18 8RJ (envelopes should be clearly marked “Helping Luna” appeal, and cheques made payable to Luna’s Community Appeal Fund.)