A PORTLAND dentist taking part in a mercy mission to Afghanistan is asking people to help raise funds for her trip.

Sara Banuri is the founder of charity Teeth for Afghanistan and visited the area in 2011 with her husband Rahim, who is from Kabul. During the visit she was overwhelmed by the lack of dental provision available to the public.

She said: “More concerning were the backstreet dentists that offered dental treatment in unsanitary conditions with no access to sterile instruments, which could cause patients infections or viruses such as hepatitis.

“I can offer services which are vitally needed out there.

“I visited schools last year where students didn’t know the basics of teeth brushing and I am there to provide help in a way that others may not be able to.”

She is urging peoole to take part in a zumba session at the Redlands sports centre in Weymouth on July 6 at 2pm, which offers an hour and a half session for £4.

Sara started the charity in 2011 but it has only been official since the start of this year, and her last trip to Afghanistan was funded entirely by herself.

She added: “I am looking to raise £10,000 for the trip but even if I raise a small amount of this everything helps. My aim is to catch people’s attention and raise awareness of the charity.”

Zumba instructor Anne Marie Kirby, 39, said: “A zumba class is a good way to raise money in the local community and it is for such a worthwhile cause.

“I have helped out with numerous charities but I think this particular one is something most members of the public would not normally think about. Zumba is a fun activity which anyone can take part in and I urge people to get involved.”

DK Dental Practice Manager Tania Shorten said: “We are hoping to get as many people attending the zumbathon as possible as well as highlighting the charity.”

Anyone looking to attend should email sarahbanuri@ hotmail.com or visit the website teethforafghanistan.btck.co.uk