Charity supporters donned their dancing shoes for a zumba session in memory of a top dancer.

Hundreds of people came together yesterday for the Andrew Spencer Memorial Trust, formed in memory of the talented dancer and sportsman who died five years ago.

His friend, Sarah Boothroyd, led the dancers from the front as parents Ray and Lesley Spencer watched on, all touched by the support Andrew’s friends have shown since his death.

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Yesterday’s zumbathon was moved from Greenhead Park to the St Patrick’s Centre as the rain and wind picked up, but it failed to dampen the dancers’ spirits.

Sarah, a paramedic, said: “Andrew loved dancing so we decided to do a big zumba session for the Trust. He never did zumba but he’ll be dancing along with us up there. He certainly would have loved to do it.

“He would be so touched by it all.”

Former Huddersfield Town player Andy Booth officially kick-started the fundraiser with Town’s Terrier mascot also showing off on the dance floor.

Dad Ray said: “We are trying to do as much as we can to support people. If we can help save just one life then it is worth holding these events.”

Mum Lesley added: “We’ve been amazed how much support we’ve had. We knew he had a lot of friends and they’ve all done so much.”

Andrew, inset, had epilepsy and died suddenly in the night at his Waterloo home in 2008, aged 33.

The Trust has various aims. It raises awareness of epilepsy, supports those with it and funds items such as life-saving alarms which alert people of a fit.

It also supports young people to further their sporting talent with grants for kit, bursaries and scholarships.

Andrew was the UK tap champion in 1992 and represented his country in Europe. A talented dancer, he was also a sportsman, playing in goal and did a stint with the Fartown (Giants) Academy.

He was also involved in local amateur dramatic societies and performed on stages throughout the town.

The Trust formed in his memory has long been supporting people. Sarah in her job as a paramedic saw first hand how an epilepsy warning alarm has helped one recipient.

Fundraising also supports dedicated epilepsy nurses to work with families and young children to understand the condition, and support the work of CRY, the cardiac risk in the young charity.