Yoga session at Rochester Castle in memory of teacher Kate Ashley
10:44, 25 May 2021
updated: 13:45, 25 May 2021
Dozens of people braved downpours for a free exercise session Rochester's Castle Gardens in memory of a highly-respected yoga teacher.
Kate Ashley, who died more than two years ago at the age of 38, started the outdoor en masse fitness classes in Medway.
Now her friends and family are dedicated to carry on her legacy to encourage more to take up the practice which helped her fight her struggle with bulimia.
Four Towns-based yoga teachers led the workout and say they are planning to make it a regular event.
One of them is Gem Stower, who said: "I never met Kate, but I've heard how lovely and kind she was and feel that I know her.
"She was inspirational and for those who met her, she became a key figure in their lives."
Gem was amazed at the turnout, despite the weather.
She said: "A lot came on their own. I think it was nice to be around people for a change.
"We asked people to get there a bit early so they could have a chance to have a conversation with instructors and then they were split into four groups.
"We had all ages, including little yogis as young as two and three and some first-timers."
Kate, who lived in Rochester, fought her eating disorder for years.
She began her career as a yoga teacher in 2011 and as well as running classes, also organised retreats in the UK and abroad.
Like Kate, 33-year-old Gem enjoys teaching outdoors and takes lessons at Broomhill Park, Strood, and even her back garden in Wainscott.
The other instructors who took part were Jo Withey, Ross Fish and James Payne, who each specialise in different types of yoga.
