PEOPLE have been invited to raise money and their heart rates at the same time at a fundraising event in memory of popular schoolgirl Connie Moore.

Bournemouth School for Girls pupil Connie, 16, died of meningitis in January just days after taking her mock GCSE exams.

Connie, a talented singer who was described as “always bright and bubbly”, fell critically ill rapidly after contracting the more serious bacterial form of the deadly disease.

Now her friends and family have decided to do all they can to raise funds for research into the disease.

Charity Meningitis Now will benefit from a day of fitness and fun to be held at Pure Gym in Avenue Road, Bournemouth on Saturday, March 22.

Called Fitness Fight for Meningitis, the event has been organised by family friends Katie Dickson and Brittney Lightfoot and includes a mix of classes such as cardio, spin, weights and fat burning.

Tickets cost £10 each and the fun starts at 10am. All those who take part will have the opportunity to use the gym free of charge for the rest of the day.

Many of Connie’s friends have also signed up to run the London BUPA 10k for the Meningitis Research Foundation and three of her cousins are planning to take part in the Three Peaks Challenge in the summer.

Anyone who wishes to take part in the fitness event should call Katie on 07827 448078 or email billiejo.fielder@puregym.com.

“A trail of devastation and emptiness has been left behind so please help us raise money to prevent meningitis from devastating other people’s lives and show Connie what an amazing and valued person she was,” said Katie.

“We hope as many people come as possible, it’s guaranteed to be fun and motivational for all fitness levels.”

Other ways to donate are at justgiving.com/remember/99702/Connie-Moore or text CONM97£9amount) to 70010.