A mother is set to host a fitness marathon next month in a bid to raise money for a charity for vulnerable children after her son was severely bullied at school.

Gina Morris, 45, of Swanshope in Loughton, will host the event, which will consist of four hours of Zumba, Insanity, Armageddon and Killer Pilates, in January.

The mother-of-four set herself the challenge of raising money for Kidscape and Red Balloon of the Air, after her son Oliver was severely bullied at his former school.

She said: "it was devastating.

"Oliver was home schooled for months but then re schooled at the outstanding Alderton junior school, he's a changed boy.

"The only thing to remind us all of the horrible days he was punched, kicked, spat at, stabbed with pencils and thrown down stairs is his slight stutter that is slowly fading. 

"I took Oliver to a charity in London, Kidscape, they were brilliant and helpful and put me in touch with another charity called Red a Balloon of the Air in Cambridge.

"Both charities are non profit making & we're so kind & helpful it touched me."

Funds raised at the event will be put towards the grand total which will be donated to the charity after Ms Morris and a friend run the London Marathon.

Admission to the event, which will take place at Alderton School in Alderton Hall Lane, Loughton, on January 24th at 11.30am, is £20.

Ms Morris added: "I don't want any child to suffer in silence while bullied mentally and physically abuse them.

"I am going to try to raise as much money as I can to stamp out bullying and make everyone aware that it goes on but there is help."