Two fundraising fitness events have so far raised around £3,800 to aid refugees from the conflict in Ukraine.

Around 60 people attended the two ‘paracise for Ukraine’ classes organised by instructor Donna Whalley, from the Carrefour Health Club in Douglas.

Paracise is a low impact, low intensity exercise program, described as being suited to people who might otherwise find regular fitness classes too demanding.

The £1,440 from these will be going to Hands of Hope IOM, a local charity which is operating on the Romanian border with Ukraine and providing aid to the refugees flowing through there.

One of the charity’s founders, Ruth Baker, who is out there attends the paracise classes when on island.

And a range of classes held by Carrefour Charity Fitness have raised £2,380 so far, which will go towards the Z Zurich Foundation – which will match whatever amount is raised.

The foundation will be splitting the money it raises between the International Rescue Committee, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Save the Children International.

Over 100 people attended these charity fitness classes over the course of one morning.

And many people donated even if they didn’t attend the events.

There were also cake sales, where fresh homemade cakes and snacks were provided for a donation.

Donna said: ‘We were overwhelmed with the turn-out on the day.

‘People were so kind with their donations.

‘Special thanks to Robinsons & KC Foods for their donations of refreshments.’

A raffle with a range of prizes is ongoing, which will be drawn this Friday (March 18).

People can contact 615595.