A FITNESS instructor used her final aerobics class before retiring to raise hundreds of pounds to help homeless people.
Sue Green worked as a fitness instructor at Kingswood Leisure Centre in Church Road, Soundwell, for 37 years.
When the time came to hang up her leg warmers Sue, 65, decided to make her last class a fundraiser for the Julian Trust, a Bristol night shelter where Sue has volunteered for 12 years and serves as a trustee.
More than 100 people signed up for the class on March 31, and the event raised more than £800 for the charity.
Sue said: “It has been so wonderful seeing so many faces together from over the years – and I’ve been blown away by how generous everyone has been.
“We set the price at £5 per person for the class, but so many have contributed far beyond that. It’s really taken off – the amount people have given has been truly heart-warming.”
Sue, form Kingswood, has been at the centre since 1988 and is known not only for her energetic classes but also for her community work.
The grandmother-of-four has also established a permanent donation point at the centre to collect food and essential supplies for the Julian Trust, which runs a night shelter in St Paul’s providing emergency support to people experiencing homelessness.
It has offered overnight accommodation, hot meals and washing facilities since 1987.
Julian Trust treasurer Hannah Martin said: “Sue’s a really compassionate and caring individual, who helps the guests that come into our shelters so much.
“We’re a very small charity and rely heavily on donations, so this is a lifeline for us.”
Sue’s final class was a colourful affair as she donned her signature rainbow tutu, leg warmers and wristbands – a nod to the 1980s fitness fashions from when she first started.
Sue continued to lead classes right up to her retirement, despite undergoing two knee and two hip replacements.
She plans to return as a customer, having been given free lifetime membership of the centre, which is run by charity Circadian Trust.
Manager Martyn Hinam said: “Sue is such a special part of Kingswood Active Lifestyle Centre and her energy, kindness and commitment have touched so many lives.
“She’s not just led classes – she’s built friendships, boosted confidence, and helped people feel like they belong.
“Good luck Sue on your retirement – and we’ll look forward to seeing you on the ‘other side’ of the desk in the very near future.”