Bags of charity support

Generous slimmers across Wishaw and the surrounding area have raised vital cash for charity by donating clothes that no longer fit them.

Three-hundred-and-eight bags of clothes, shoes and accessories have been collected as part of the Big Slimming World Clothes Throw, held at local Slimming World groups across Lanarkshire.

The bags will be donated to Cancer Research UK shops in the area 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 £3.3 million in just two weeks. The campaign is now in its sixth year. Nikki Musgrove, Angela Harris, Lian McCulloch and Eileen Allison who run Slimming World groups in the local area along with other consultants and their members are delighted to have raised so much money for charity.

Eileen said: “I can’t quite believe how many bags we managed to collect.

“I knew my members were amazing, but I didn’t expect such an incredible level of effort. It was almost like a purple sea of bags.

“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.

“When our members lose weight, we 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.

“So many people don’t know how much of a difference losing weight can make to health, including reducing the risk of developing cancer. Hopefully this campaign and our efforts for charity will help inspire more people in Wishaw and the surrounding area to improve their health and change their lives by losing weight too.”

Anyone who would like to find out more about Slimming World is invited find thier local group at slimmingworld.co.uk