Dear Reader,

As you may know, I worked as a fitness instructor in and around Carrbridge, Aviemore, Kingussie, Kincraig, Boat of Garten, and Grantown for about 15 years. During that time, I taught a variety of fitness classes, including Spinning, circuits, Fitplus, PiYo, Turbokick, etc.

But my favourite class to teach was Zumba. I've always loved to dance, but I was never given much opportunity to do so as a child. When I discovered Zumba, I knew I had found my groove, as it combines dance with fitness—it's fun to teach and easy to learn. Part of its appeal for me was that it was/is accessible to many different levels of ability—anyone can join in, and everyone is always welcome!

The last time I taught a fitness class, it was a Zumba class in Carrbridge, the day before my 19-year-old daughter, Jade McGrath, died by suicide. After that, it was difficult to leave my house, let alone lead a fitness class. I just did not have the energy as I travelled on the long and never-ending path of grief.

Recently, a number of my wonderful former fitness participants have asked me if there’s any chance I might start teaching some classes again. Although I shied away from the idea initially, a seed was planted in my mind that has grown and inspired me to get back to doing what I loved for so many years before Jade's sudden and unexpected death.

Once the urge to return to teaching fitness had returned, the decision was made to start with Zumba! Did I already mention that it was my favorite class to teach?

Although my grief is deep and profound every single day, it feels like it is time to start living again, to try to let some light back in, and to do it for Jade, in her memory.

YoungMinds is a charity close to my heart, as it is there to support young people who are struggling with their mental health and also offers support to parents who are at a loss as to how to help their children when they see them struggling. It is the UK's leading charity championing the wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. Driven by their experience, YoungMinds creates change so that children and young people can cope with life's adversities, find help when needed, and succeed in life.

As I saw Jade struggle in the years before her death, I really wished I had known about YoungMinds. I remember feeling so desperate for help and so alone in my efforts to support her, and I struggled to cope with the challenges that parenting a troubled teen presented.

This is why I would like to use my first class back teaching fitness to be in memory of my precious first-born, Jade McGrath. I will dedicate this class at Carrbridge Village Hall on 14th January 2025 to Jade. And, in her memory, I invite you to donate your class fee for this class to YoungMinds.

The suggested donation for this class is the normal class fee of £7.50, but any amount is appreciated, so please just donate what you can afford. Your support will help ensure that young people and their families are supported in their struggles, and this will mean the world to me and my family.

I look forward to welcoming you to Carrbridge Village Hall for this special "First Class Back" on Tuesday, 14th January 2025. The class will kick off at 6:30 for one hour, so come along at around 6:15/20.

Wear supportive trainers (but not too grippy), stretchy, light clothing (we will sweat!), a supportive bra (if applicable!), and bring a bottle of water. I can’t wait to see you there.

Love,

Sam xx