AS part of its festive season celebrations, Kabbala Studio, Clevedon have fundraised for three charities through yoga challenged.

They raised money for Age UK, Mind and Weston Hospice by completeing 108 Sun Salutations, on the Winter Solstice, Wednesday, December 21.

The challenge was completed through cloud, rain and wind and although not as freezing as some days have been during the recent cold snap, the air was still pretty crisp.

Completing 108 Sun Salutations is a traditional yoga practice. Physically challenging, it is also a moving meditation to connect the body, mind, and the universe when nature is undergoing a significant change.

Undertaken on the Winter Solstice, the 108 Sun Salutations are completed to mark the end of the darkest days of the year and to celebrate the days beginning to lengthen again.

The number 108 is spiritually significant within yoga philosophy and represents the inner connection between humans and the universe.

The team began their challenge in dry, cloudy conditions. Then came some grizzling rain.

They carried on and were especially grateful for support from Kabbala Studio regulars, Deirdre, Mel and Tom. Especially for Mel’s dancing, which chased the rain away and coaxed the sun out.

By the completion of the challenge their efforts welcomed blue sky, sunshine, a rainbow and a lot of smiles from the 108 challenge team: Carl, Carol, Cinzia, Danielle, Ellie, Emma, Lisa, Lizzie, Rosie, Sam and Sunny.

A spokesperson said: "It was an exhilarating challenge and brilliant experience being on the boardwalk of Clevedon Pier with the sea gently lapping below."

The team set a fundraising target of £250, to be shared equally among their nominated charities.

So far they have raised £306 but they would love to raise even more for Age UK, Mind UK and Weston Hospice Care.

Their fundraising page will remain open during January 2023, so for anyone who would like to donate, please visit: https://gofund.me/37177629 (www.gofundme.com/kabbala-yoga-winter-solstice-108-salutations).

Kabbala Studio is Clevedon’s first dedicated yoga, arts, wellbeing and community space, located on Hill Rd.

The studio opened this summer, in August 2022 and has been created by Jude Levy and Howard Parker, to provide somewhere for people from all backgrounds, of all ages and abilities, to live their healthiest life, in body and mind

For your regular yoga fix, Kabbala Studio offers a full and varied yoga timetable, with classes for beginners through to seasoned yogis.

Visit www.kabbala.co.uk to find out more and to book a class.