SLIMMERS in Darlington have raised thousands of pounds for charity by donating the clothes they’ve successfully slimmed out of.

The Darlington Slimming World groups have collected 265 bags of clothes, shoes, homeware and accessories as part of the Big Golden Slimming World Clothes Throw, raising more than £6,500 for Cancer Research UK.

The bags will be donated to Cancer Research UK shops across the region as part of the national fundraising campaign.

The campaign 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 2018 – £3m in just two weeks.

Anyone who finds a special golden bag is in with a chance to win a VIP shopping and makeover experience

As well as fundraising, the partnership between Slimming World and Cancer Research UK aims to raise awareness of the links between obesity and cancer. Since 2012 the partnership has generated more than £12m.

Sally Dale, team developer for the Darlington groups, said: “I can’t quite believe how many bags we managed to collect – and the fact we found some gold ones too, I can’t wait to see if any of our members are winners. I knew our members were amazing but I didn’t expect such an incredible level of effort.

“Seeing members donate their too-big clothes is just the cherry on top for me as a consultant. What I find so special is seeing members transform before my eyes as they lose weight. Many go from shy, apprehensive individuals who join with their confidence at rock bottom.

"They don’t believe they could ever lose the weight they dream of losing. When I look them in the eye and tell them they absolutely can be the size they want to be – whatever that is – and that I truly believe in them, things start to change.

“So many people don’t know how much of a difference losing weight can make to health – including reducing the risk of developing a range of problems including some types of cancer. Hopefully this campaign and our efforts for charity will help inspire more people in Darlington to improve their health and change their lives by losing weight too."

Anyone who would like to find out more about Slimming World or the Big Golden Slimming World Clothes Throw is invited to get in touch with Sally who's groups run every Thursday and Friday morning on 07853 103838.