A FITNESS instructor from Basingstoke is using her business's birthday to raise money for a very sick little boy.

Romeo Francis, born on April 5, 2019, weighing a tiny 4lbs 5oz, was diagnosed with a rare heart condition - restrictive cardiomyopathy - which affects less than 1 in a million children.

His chance of survival is down to whether he can be given a heart transplant, and family friends have been raising awareness and money to help cover the costs of any additional medical treatment he needs.

Selina Waissen, 36, from Winklebury has been running her fitness business Funk and Twist for nearly three years. She knows Romeo’s family and wanted to do something to help them out.

Celebrating three years of classes this month, she has set up an online fitness class held over Zoom on Saturday, January 16, at 10am, with participants asked to contribute to the cause, Romeo’s Broken Heart.

Selina, who was teaching her classes at Popley Fields Community Centre prior to lockdown, told the Gazette: ”We will be doing an online workout. It’s an opportunity to get everyone together and have a good boogie.

“I have been teaching my classes three times a week online since lockdown and I have run free challenges, just to keep people motivated, energised and moving. In this time, that’s what people need - exercise is a great endorphin release.

“It’s all about self care. Having that hour, that time, for yourself. Music is such a mood-lifter.”

People are asked to “make a contribution of their choice” to Romeo’s cause in exchange for the celebratory class.

“I know the family, and I have a son a similar age to Romeo and it hits home I think,” said the mother-of-two.

“I wanted to be able to help in any way that I can. I thought this would be a nice way of doing it. It’s the least I can do.

“If anything it’s raising awareness of organ donation because it’s not widely known about. Romeo is a strong little fighter.”

Selina, who is a Jungle Body Ambassador and runs classes which incorporate exercise with music and rhythm, hopes lots of people will give it a go in aid of Romeo.

She said: “If there are people wondering what to do in lockdown or haven’t found something while gyms are closed, this is another option for them to work out at home while supporting the cause.

“We come together in a community online in classes and Facebook groups, so people still feel part of something.

“I hope we can get as many people involved as possible and raise as much money as we can for him.”

For more information and to register for the event, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/211119430705159

Or to make a donation towards Romeo’s Broken Heart, visit: https://www.facebook.com/donate/1097050857386641