YOGA practitioners have been bending over backwards to raise money at an annual charity weekend event – and they were joined by some feathered friends.

Karen Thursby, a yoga instructor in the North-East, has organised a yearly outdoor yoga weekend for eight years to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

This year, around 100 yoga practitioners took part in the event in Croft-on-Tees – and, to much surprise, so did two ducks from the garden pond!

(Image: Chris Barron)

Karen said: “I’m so overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and fellowship on display across the weekend. Everyone came out because they wanted to do something great – for themselves, and for a wonderful charity.”

“I’m immensely grateful to everyone who helped make this event happen, especially my longtime friend and yoga colleague, Leigh Johnson, who helped lead the classes, and Jane Woods, who so kindly allowed us to use her beautiful garden,” added Karen.

“We were also delighted that Jane’s ducks, Maverick and Pixie, decided to join in – even when they borrowed a yoga mat to stretch out on!”

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(Image: Chris Barron)

She was overjoyed to learn that this year’s event raised £4,485.50, bringing the total raised since 2016 to £21,012.78.

Karen began her charity events in honour of her mum, Lola, a keen yoga practitioner and beloved community figure who was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in 2016, and passed away soon after.

Karen Thursby, centre, leads the yoga class in aid of Cancer Research UKKaren Thursby, centre, leads the yoga class in aid of Cancer Research UK (Image: Chris Barron)

Karen added: “People’s generosity and support is humbling, and it’s exciting to think we can make a difference for people facing cancer in the future.”