The family of a late coal miner are planning a keep fit session to raise cash for the Friends of Deal Hospital in his memory.

Charlie Sheavills, a pivotal organiser of Kent and Essex picket lines in the 1984-85 strike, died in May. Thanks to the excellent care he received at Deal Hospital, wife Linda, and daughters Julie and Rachel decided to give something back.

They have teamed up with Julie's sister in law, fitness instructor Abi Skardon, who will hold the charity Clubbercise Clubberthon on Thursday, June 28 at Warden House Primary at 7-8.30pm.

Clubbercise is a nightclub dance themed exercise where the lights are turned down low and participants are motivated by loud club music and holding luminous glow sticks in their hands. It is known for its fast tempo and invigorating cardiovascular benefits including the feel-good factor and weight loss. A clubberton is an extended workout, in this case for an hour and a half.

Former Betteshanger miner Mr Sheavills, 71, of Mary Road, Deal, was known throughout Kent, Essex and internationally as Charlie from Kent because of the part he played in the strike.

He spent his last few weeks in the hospital in London Road and received end of life care in a dedicated hospice room.

So far a collection at his wake raised £800 and a dedicated online fundraising page for the keep fit session had raised £430 by today (Wednesday).

The Friends of Deal Hospital is a registered charity which supplements the hospital service by helping provide equipment and facilities for patients, including running a tea bar there. The Deal Hospital Fete is its biggest fundraiser annually. This year's is at the London Road hospital on Saturday, August 4, 2018.

Entry to the Clubberthon is £5. To book your place click here.

To donate in Mr Sheavills' memory without taking part click here.