Slimmers in Durham South have been putting their best feet forward to raise money Cancer Research UK.
Members from Newton Aycliffe, Chilton, Ferryhill, West Cornforth and Sedgefield Slimming World groups, celebrated their weight-loss success by walking around an organised route made by the Slimming World Consultants for Cancer Research UK together on 25th August.
All month they have been sponsored to up their daily step count, and they rounded off their Walk All Over Cancer with Slimming World campaign with a celebratory group walk at the Oakleaf Complex. The event aims to raise awareness of the links between keeping a healthy weight and reducing the risk of cancer.
One Member chatting at the walk was saying that ‘Before losing weight anything remotely active was my idea of a nightmare. I drove everywhere I could and I made excuses if anyone planned anything I might need to wear trainers for – even walking a few hundred yards felt like a struggle.
“As the weight dropped off my confidence rocketed. From the very first night at Slimming World I was welcomed so warmly and instantly made to feel part of the group. We are all there for the same reason – to lose weight and to help and support each other to do the same.
“I have so much more energy thanks to my trimmer figure. The eating plan means I can fill up on lots of tasty everyday meals – I never feel hungry or deprived and I can still enjoy my favourite things, like a glass of wine and a bar of chocolate – just in moderation now.
“At group we learn that getting more active doesn’t have to be joining the gym or running marathons. It can be walking the kids to school, doing the gardening, hitting the dancefloor – anything that raises the heart rate a little counts.
“Before I lost the weight a group event like this would have felt completely unimaginable. I always joked I couldn’t run for a bus! I wouldn’t have had the confidence to try the distance let alone have lots of people seeing me in sportswear! I’m a new person now. I’m happier, healthier, more confident and so excited about the future. Completing this Walk all over Cancer with all of my Slimming World friends has been the cherry on top of my weight-loss journey.
Nicola Dale one of the areas Consultants said ‘We had gorgeous, sunny weather conditions for our walk and in true Slimming World-style our members, their friends and families were out in force to support each other. They showed just what can be done when we come together – both in terms of achieving something amazing and raising money for a great cause too. For their time and commitment a goodie bag with a slimming World magazine, refreshments and a winners medal was awarded to each attendee.
“I’m so proud of all of my members who set themselves the challenge of walking more this August. At Slimming World, we help our members find enjoyable ways of getting more active and encourage them to increase their activity levels step-by-step, until it becomes part of their daily routine.
“I’m sure my members will inspire more people to get active and improve their health, while also helping raising awareness of the links between obesity and cancer. The money raised will go towards an amazing cause – one my members feel very passionate about – helping to support Cancer Research UK’s life-saving research.”
For more information about the groups, please visit SlimmingWorld.co.uk
Local consultants: Joni Miller, Nicola Dale, Gordon Brockbank, Sam Hudson, Annette Garner, Collette Trimmer, Tina Brydon, Christine Barker and Kimberley Mearns.
