Wigan borough Slimming World members donate slimmed-out-of clothes for charity

The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw with Cancer Research UK is an annual event which takes place in Slimming World groups across the UK and sees members donating clothes, shoes, and accessories that no longer fit.

The 25 local Slimming World groups, who meet weekly at venues in the Wigan, Leigh and surrounding areas collected 697 bags, worth around £17425 for Cancer Research UK. To continue their support to the cause, a group of consultants went along and volunteered a few hours of their time to the Cancer Research shop the day after to help with the mammoth task of unpacking the donated bags.

Slimming World Team Developer Nicola Kiggin who heads team Hindley & Westhoughton and Team Developer Sarah Cargill who heads team Leigh & Astley, says they are proud of how their own members and the team members came together to support the charity as well as celebrate how far they’ve come on their own weight loss journeys. Nicola says: “Every week I’m inspired by my members and their dedication and determination to achieve their weight loss goals. They’re just as enthusiastic when it comes to getting involved in events such as The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw too. I was bowled over by how many bags they filled with clothes that they’ve slimmed out of to raise money for such an important charity. What I really love is that they’re so confident they will never need these clothes again because they’ve made changes they can keep up for life!”

As well as raising funds for Cancer Research UK, the aim of the event is also to raise awareness of how maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of developing some types of cancer. Overweight and obesity is the second biggest preventable cause of cancer in the UK and more than one in 20 cancer cases are caused by excess weight.

Sarah says: “Being overweight doesn’t necessarily mean that a person will develop cancer, but we know that losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent a number of health conditions, including some types of cancer. The work that Cancer Research UK does to help those affected by cancer is vital. I’m so proud of my members for their passion towards this fundraising event as I know that their contributions will help the charity continue its life-saving research.”

Over the years, Slimming World has raised more than £20 million for Cancer Research UK through a variety of campaigns including The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw and supporting the charity’s Race for Life event series.

Last year, Slimming World members, Consultants and head office staff raised £1,491,191.49 for Cancer Research UK through The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw and are aiming to make this year even bigger and better.

For more information or to join a local group either pop along or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk or call 0344 897 8000.