Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Slimmers raise stunning sum by donating redundant clothes
Kindhearted slimmers from across Airdrie and Coatbridge have raised more than £11,000 for charity by donating clothes that no longer fit them.
A fantastic 474 bags of clothes, shoes and accessories were collected as part of the big Slimming World clothes throw, held at Monklands’Slimming World groups.
The bags have been donated to Cancer Research UK shops in the district as part of the national fundraising drive being run by the weight-loss organisation.
Slimming World also aims to raise awareness of how keeping a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing some types of cancer.
Each of the filled bags is worth around £25 to the charity, and this year’s campaign is aiming to beat the total raised in 2017 – a whopping £3.3million in just two weeks.
Tracy Brown, team developer for the Monklands groups, is delighted to have raised so much money for the cause.
She said:“I can’t quite believe how many bags we managed to collect.
“I knew our members were amazing but I didn’t expect such an incredible level of effort; it was almost like a purple sea of bags in group.
“Collecting them up to take to local Cancer Research UK shops was a real workout in itself – but all so worth it.
“To raise such a phenomenal amount for a charity that does so much to beat cancer feels amazing.”
Tracy added:“When our members lose weight I see more than just a physical transformation; above all, I see their confidence bloom.
“Many go from nervous and shy new members who are very uncomfortable with the way they look, to confident, healthy and happy individuals with a new lease of life and a twinkle in their eye.
“They learn to remove feelings of guilt around food and instead feel empowered by all the free food they can enjoy on Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, food optimising.
“Members also make friends in group; they celebrate success together and are there for one another through the more challenging times.
“Many of them have so much energy; thanks to losing weight, they get more active and enjoy walking, swimming, dancing and more.
“I’m so proud of how our groups come together. So many people don’t know how much of a difference losing weight can make to their health, including reducing the risk of developing cancer.
“Hopefully this campaign and our efforts for charity will help inspire more people in Airdrie and Coatbridge to improve their health and change their lives by losing weight too.”