Members of Slimming World groups across Powys have collected 320 bags of clothes they’ve successfully slimmed out of to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Consultants who run the 13 Slimming World groups in the area, encouraged members, their friends and families in to spring-clean their wardrobes and collect the clothes, shoes and accessories for the South Wales Cancer Research UK shops.

The groups, which meet Monday to Saturday every week have lost 2436st since January this year, were taking part in the organisation’s national fundraising campaign, the ‘Big Slimming World Clothes Throw’.

Last year Slimming World’s Big Clothes Throw raised £1.7m for Cancer Research UK, and this year the organisation aims to raise £2m for the charity.

With each bag worth up to £30, Shelly Willetts hopes the contribution from the groups will help to reach that total. She said: “The incredible members of the groups 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 the 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 groups 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 ten 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.

“My group sessions are always buzzing and when we collected the bags up the atmosphere was incredible. My members have seen stunning weight losses simply by making small changes to the way they shop, cook and eat, and by taking steps to become more active. But the best thing about our group is the caring support members give to each other, spurring each other along and sharing recipes and tips every week.”

Ross Mumford, who collects the bags for South Wales, said: “We’re really grateful to all the 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.”

To find out more about Slimming World visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk or call Shelly on 07980 259638

For more information contact Shelly Willetts on 07980 259638 or [email protected]