Bags of help from slim stars

Spring clean fundraiser

Caring members of the Crieff Slimming World group have collected bags of clothes they’ve successfully slimmed out of to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Jo Steventon, a weight loss consultant who runs Crieff Slimming World group encouraged members, their friends and families to spring- clean their wardrobes and collect clothes which are now too big to generate valuable stock for the local Cancer Research UK shop in the High Street. Slimmers are also encouraged to donate shoes and accessories.

The group, which has collectively lost 140 stone since January this year, was taking part in the organisation’s national fundraising campaign, the ‘Big Slimming World Clothes Throw’, which last year raised £1.7m for the same charity.

This y e a r, the organisation aims to raise £ 2m for the good cause and, with each bag worth up to £ 25, Jo hopes the contribution from her group will help to reach that total.

She said: “The incredible members of my group have amazed me with their enthusiasm, dedication and commitment once again.

“This year’s Big Clothes Throw has been a fantastic success and I can’t believe just how many bags my members, their friends and families have managed to collect for Cancer Research UK.

“It’s been so rewarding and I’m so proud to help pull together such a phenomenal amount of stock for such a worthwhile cause!

“Knowing they’ll never need their ‘before’ clothes again, when I told my group about the campaign they couldn’t wait to take part. Not only is the Clothes Throw a perfect opportunity for all of us to celebrate our slimming success, it is also vital we spread the message that keeping a healthy weight could reduce the risk of developing 10 different types of cancer.

“This is why Slimming World chose Cancer Research UK as our national charity partner. We really hope our bag collection will help to increase understanding of how weight affects cancer risk.”

Angela Bates, who lost over six stone and dropped from a dress size 22 to 12, commented: “It felt really liberating to donate all my old clothes. I actually enjoyed bagging them up and saying goodbye – it felt like I was saying bye to the ‘old me’!”

A window display at the Strath shop was used to promote the Clothes Throw and the mannequin dressed in an evening dress created from carrier bags attracted a lot of attention.

Shop manager AnneMarie McLellan said: “We’re really grateful to all the Crieff Slimming World members who cleared out their cupboards and generously donated their unwanted items to Cancer Research UK shops. All funds raised will go towards the charity’s research to beat over 200 types of cancer, helping to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”

The Crieff Slimming World group meets every Monday at 5.30pm and 7.30pm in the town’s Royal British Legion Scotland clubrooms on Perth Road.

To find out more visit, www. slimmingworld. co.uk or call Jo on 07946 339031.