DANCER: Barbara Hayles (centre) with her daughter Sally and granddaughter Rebecca.

A CONCERNED group of local parents and grandparents have come together with the aim of raising funds for a devoted dance teacher, Barbara Hayles.

Ms Hayles has been diagnosed with breast cancer and recently underwent a mastectomy.

She has been an inspiring teacher and mentor to many young people within the Mansfield, Alexandra and Marysville communities, teaching a variety of dance styles and helping and empowering the young victims of the Black Saturday bushfires.

Ms Hayles first came to Mansfield as a young child when her father worked at the Mirrimbah sawmills.

She later studied at the Australian Ballet School and worked at Channel GTV 9 as a dancer for a young Graham Kennedy.

"Throughout her career she has introduced many young people to tap, classical ballet and even classical Indian dance, at an incredibly affordable price," committee member, Julianne Turner, said.

"Little ballet princesses, fairies and angels, for an hour every week, live theirs and our (as a doting parent) dreams," she said.

"We have Barbara to thank for that."

The committee asks the community to support the newly formed the ‘Barbara Hayles Fund’ by raising money to help her.

Their goal is to raise enough money to cover the costs of repairs to Ms Hayles’ house so she can return home and recover in comfortable surroundings.

Ms Turner said the Barbara Hayles Fund will be an ongoing cause to assist any other people who find themselves struggling financially due to breast cancer, for as long as the community’s generosity will sustain it.

Their first fundraiser will be a monster garage sale this Saturday, followed by a dollar auction at a later date.

There will be working bees around her house, as well.

"No one wants to think of going through a terrible illness, but what a relief to know there is the possibility of financial relief/assistance should it ever happen to you or someone you care about," Ms Turner said.

Anyone interested in helping Ms Hayles is asked to contact Dianne Langevad on 57770893 or Michele Lunam on 57751142 or 0421 122206.