Four fitness enthusiasts from Saffron Walden are looking to become Willow Warriors and raise money to help seriously ill people.

Luisa Curbelo, Adriana Potts, Karen Le Flahec and Tony Boardman, all Zumba and Pilates instructors, are taking on the Willow Warrior Challenge at Stansted Hall, Stansted Mountfitchet, on Sunday, June 12.

All four are challenging themselves to the Willow Warrior, now in its second year, with either a five or 10km run along a muddy obstacle course.

The event raises money for Willow, set up by former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson and his wife Megs, which provides special days for young adults who are seriously ill.

Ms Curbelo said: “We’d love to have you as part of our team if you’re up for it. It’s physical but not as tough as other challenge events. Mainly, it’ll be fun. And we’ll be helping each other get through the obstacles.

“For the more energetic, they need helpers on each obstacle to give the warriors a lift, a push or even a little cuddle to help them along the way.”

In the lead up to the event, the quartet is maximising their fundraising by holding charity sessions in and around Saffron Walden.

Ms Curbelo is hosting a free Zumba demonstration on Saturday (April 9), opposite Oxfam in King Street, from 11am to noon.

Then on Saturday, April 23), Ms Potts and Ms Curbelo are organising Pilates from Mr Boardman and brunch at Manuden Village Community Centre. The event costs £25, with £5 going to Willow.

Next up is a Hot Latin Caribbean Party, again at Manuden Village Community Centre, which will have live music, a cabaret, bar and Latin snacks. Costs £15. There will also be a special raffle.

The final event is a quiz night at the Dog and Duck pub, in Stansted, on August 11.

As well as the fundraising events, the four instructors are offering newcomers the chance to have a free session in exchange for a donation to Willow.

For tickets, contact 07956 667434, 07842 213 554 or visit https://billetto.co.uk/en/users/adri.

To sign up for the Willow Warrior Challenge, visit www.willowfoundation.org.uk/willowwarrior and join the Zumba Warriors Zumbalates team when signing up.