A MUM-of-three who wanted to work, spend more time with her children and exercise too has combined all three things with her new venture.

Donna Hopkins bought the Blackburn with Darwen franchise of Sweaty Mama after quitting her job as a dental nurse, when she realised she wanted to be around her children while also enjoying fitness.

Mrs Hopkins runs five classes a week for mums to bring their babies and children to, often holding the babies while exercising.

She said: “I was always into fitness anyway, but it is difficult doing it when you have children and I was trying to fit it in, but I did not want to leave them with anyone.

This is just perfect, I can keep fit, be with other mums, and have my children with me, when they’re not at nursery.”

Mrs Hopkins leads the classes with 3-year-old Harrison in tow, often using him in lifts.

She said: "The children are included in the class, so mums are not leaving them in their prams.

“Being able to offer it to mums and let them bring their children helps them, and they do not have that mum guilt.

“A lot of mums say they love coming because they can do something together and it is time for them.”

The former dental nurse felt trapped in her job and found it hard to work around her children.

She said: “I was going to go back after my third child, but I felt like I was not enjoying it.

“I went through post-natal depression myself, and it was awful.

I had so many people around me but still felt alone, I don’t think anything helped me then.

“Even having a shower is hard when you have a child and having a little one relying on you all the time, gives you no time for yourself.

“A lot of mums do feel isolated and feel like they lose their identity, as it can be lonely.”

Classes are available during the week at Mellor Village hall, United Reformed Church in Darwen, Salesbury Memorial hall and Feniscowles Community Hall.

Babies from six weeks to preschool can attend, and during holidays older children can attend too.

Sweaty Mama is a national fitness franchise for mums all over the UK.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/SweatyMamaBlackburnDarwen/