NINE yoga teachers are coming together in two events next month, aimed at raising funds to combat human trafficking, and the woman behind them is appealing for participants and for volunteers to help out on the day.

The events, organised by Chepstow resident Kim Spencer, will take place in Chepstow and Yorkley on Sunday, March 10. They will raise funds for the Odanadi Seva Trust, a grassroots organisation in Mysore, south India.

Kim said: “I have visited Odanadi, our son volunteered there for a year and my husband and I have very close connections via Adventure Ashram, the charity that now runs Yoga Stops Traffick.

“In 2017 we held an event in Yorkley for the charity, which has rescued and rehabilitated more than 12,000 women and children, carried out 422 brothel raids, educated tens of thousands of children, men and women about sexual exploitation, returned 1,380 missing children to their families and brought 385 traffickers to justice.

“I’m not a teacher myself, but taking part in the Yorkley event are yoga teachers Carolyn Thomas, Lisa Hebbron and Di Worrall. At Chepstow, Ali Rose, Lorna Kennedy, Kari van Eden, Sam Williams, Christine Cox and Alice Jomain will be involved.

“They are all based and in and around the Forest and Wye Valley, teaching everywhere from Viney Hill to Raglan, and from Chepstow to St Briavels. Other teachers not helping on the day have provided raffle prizes and helped with the events via their classes.

“We’re hoping to hear from people who would like to offer help as part of the ‘front of house team’ as well as those wanting to take part.

“In 2017 we had around 50 participants and around 70 people involved altogether with supporters, visitors, drop-ins for coffee, and we raised in excess of £700.”

The events take place from 10am to 12.30pm at the Drill Hall in Chepstow and 10am to 12pm at the Community Centre in Yorkley. Both are open to everyone with no need to book.

To get involved or take part, contact [email protected], ring 01291 628878, or visit Facebook/Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Yoga Stops Traffick. There is also a donation page at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/yogastopstraffick for those unable to join an event.