A local Slimming World Consultant is celebrating after her members helped the organisation to reach a significant milestone in its charity partnership with Cancer Research UK – having raised £30 million for the charity.

Jo Thomas, who runs Slimming World groups in Brecon & Sennybridge, has contributed to the impressive £30 million by holding fundraising activities with members such as The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw, where members donate the clothes they’ve slimmed out of to the charity’s shops and forming a team to take part in the Race for Life event in Cardiff, where Jo’s Slimming World Stars raised £2,116.50

The partnership between Slimming World and Cancer Research UK began in 2013 and initiatives such as the Big Slimming World Clothes Throw, sponsorship of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, and the Slimming World London Marathon Team, has seen Slimming World members, Consultants and staff raise money to help fund essential life-saving research.

Jo says: “I’m so proud of my members for helping us achieve such a fantastic figure raised for Cancer Research UK. Their enthusiasm to take part in or support our fundraising activities is amazing to see and has allowed us to raise more than £3,000 as a group.”

The partnership between Slimming World and Cancer Research UK was very important to Slimming World’s founder, Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE, who sadly passed away in February this year. In 1997 Margaret founded the charity SMILES – Slimmers Making It A Little Easier For Someone – which has raised millions of pounds for a range of charities.

Eve Mitchell, Associate Director of Supporter Relationships at Cancer Research UK, said: “We’re so thankful to Slimming World members, Consultants and Head Office staff for all their fantastic work in raising £30m since 2013. From donating clothes through the Big Slimming World Clothes Throw to lacing up your trainers for Race for Life, every pound raised is helping to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”

Jo says Slimming World’s approach is focused on togetherness, community and shared experience.

She said: “What makes Slimming World truly special is our unwavering belief in the power of people coming together. While the arrival of weight loss injections has undoubtedly changed the weight management landscape, lasting change needs real support – whether people are using our tried and tested methods, have had surgery or are using weight loss medication. Whether you're just starting out, returning to group or taking weight loss drugs, you’ll find a warm welcome and the support you need to make lasting changes – right at the heart of your local community.

“Cancer has sadly touched the lives of so many of our friends at group and we therefore jump at the chance to raise money for Cancer Research UK as well as raise awareness of how maintaining a healthy weight and moving more can improve people’s health and help reduce the risk of developing 13 types of cancer.”