A yoga event that has raised thousands for charity is returning to the North-East thanks to a new friendship. Yoga instructor Karen Thursby has raised more than £16,000 for Cancer Research UK with her popular annual outdoor yoga events, and has now discovered the perfect venue for her event while visiting Croft Open Gardens earlier this year. She said: “I loved Croft Open Gardens, and I was blown away at the beauty and tranquility of one particular garden – and utterly charmed by its resident ducks! “I asked the owner, Jane Wood, if we might hold this year’s charity outdoor yoga weekend at her home, and she said yes straight away.
I’d never met Jane before so I felt a bit cheeky, but she was so welcoming and up for it. Our theme for this year is ‘Strength in Friendship’, so it feels very fitting that I’ve made a new friend in Jane!” Jane said: “I really didn’t need to think about it, it seemed like a brilliant event for a fantastic cause! I can’t wait to welcome everyone for Karen’s event. I’ve not done a lot of yoga before, but I’ll certainly be joining in!” Karen first began organising the annual event in honour of her mum, Lola, a beloved local figure who was sadly diagnosed with bile duct cancer in 2016, and passed away shortly afterwards .
Since then, Karen has raised thousands for Cancer Research UK in her mother’s memory. This will be the eighth event of its kind. Most read: Northern Rail: £3 tickets for Durham, Darlington, Yorkshire.