Tributes after the death of a fitness instructor and his mother just days apart

TRIBUTE has been paid to a ‘much loved and respected’ fitness instructor who died after contracting coronavirus – days after his mother died from Covid-19.

Debbie Trotter ran her own weekly Clubbercise classes – a mix of aerobics and dance moves – at the Testwood School in Totton and the Totton and Eling Community Center. Her mother Margaret also died from the virus last week.

Debbie had worked for the New Forest District Council since 2013, as an instructor in their recreation centers.

A statement on the Totton and Eling Recreation Center Facebook page, posted Monday evening, said: “It is with great sadness that we have to announce that our beloved and respected instructor Debbie Trotter passed away on April 13.

“Debbie started her job as a group fitness instructor in 2013 and during her time with us she has taught zumba and aqua classes at a number of our locations. Debbie was always full of energy and would light up any place with her bubbly personality and had an incredible enthusiasm for teaching.

Teaching Zumba classes was Debbie’s great love and one of her greatest moments was meeting Zumba founder and creator Beto Perez in 2016. ”

The statement added: “Debbie will be sadly missed by all who knew and worked with her, especially the many regulars who attended her classes. When the time comes, we’ll turn to a fitting tribute to Debbie.

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to Debbie’s family and friends, especially her sister Jane at this time.”

A statement on behalf of the Totton and Eling Community Center was also posted online, which read: “We wish to express our condolences to the family of Debbie Trotter and her beloved mother, who both died in hospital in cause of Covid-19.

“Debbie has run Clubbercise at the community center and other venues, and has always been so lively and energetic. She will be missed by so many people. It hits really hard, so stay safe everyone. “

Debbie’s friends responding to the news also paid tribute online. One of them said: “Tragic news and a great loss for many of us. Thoughts on his sister – not just losing [Debbie], but also his mother to this terrible disease.

Another wrote: “Her classes were the best, she made keeping fit fun. Such a beautiful lady with the biggest heart taken far too soon under horrible circumstances.