So confident they’ll never need their larger sizes again, slimmers across Athlone have raised over €8500 by donating the clothes they’ve successfully slimmed out of to the Irish Cancer Society.
The Slimming World groups from the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone Springs Hotel, Kiltoom and Moate collected a phenomenal 285 bags of clothes, shoes, homeware and accessories as part of the Big Golden Slimming World Clothes Throw.
The bags will be donated to Irish Cancer Society shops as part of the national fundraising campaign, which this year goes ‘gold’ as Slimming World celebrates its 50th birthday year. As part of the Big Golden Slimming World Clothes Throw, anyone who finds a special golden bag is in with a chance to win a VIP shopping and makeover experience.
The Big Golden Slimming World Clothes Throw 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 €30 to the charity, and this year’s campaign is aiming to beat the total raised in 2018.
Sharleen, who runs Moate Slimming World group, is delighted to have raised so much money for charity.
“We can’t quite believe how many bags we managed to collect. The fact that a few gold ones were found in our groups is wonderful too, we can’t wait to see if any of my members are winners! I knew my members were amazing but I didn’t expect such an incredible level of effort,” Sharleen commented.
Sineasd, who runs Slimming World at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, also spoke proudly of the group’s achievement.
“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, things start to change,” Sinead remarked.
Carol, whose Saturday morning group runs in Kiltoom Parish Hall echoed her colleagues sentiments.
“At group, members learn to remove feelings of guilt around food, and instead feel empowered by all the free food they can enjoy on Slimming World’s healthy eating plan Food Optimising. Through Food Optimising, they learn to change the way they think about food by making changes to the way they shop, cook and eat, and they lose weight without ever feeling like they have to restrict a thing or go hungry,” Carol noted.
Speaking similarly, Pauline whose groups are in the Athlone Springs Hotel, spoke of the amicable nature within the Slimming World family.
“Members also make friends in group, they celebrate success together and they are there for one another through the more challenging times too. As the weight drops off and the energy levels soar, many of them become more active too, walking, swimming, playing with the kids. They shed the shackles of their former selves, including the clothes they’ll never fit in again too.
“We’re so proud of our members and their efforts. They really do put their heart into everything they do. Whether it’s their weight loss, supporting each other each week or raising money for charity, they amaze us,” Pauline concluded.
Anyone who would like to find out more about Slimming World is invited to get in touch with any of your local consultants, or simply call in to any of their friendly groups, held every Tuesday in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel at 9.30am, 5.30pm, 7.30pm (contact Sinead: 087 6820759 ), every Wednesday in the Athlone Springs Hotel at 9.30am, 11.30am, 5pm, 7pm (contact Pauline: 0871878701 ), every Thursday in Moate Carmelite Centre at 7pm (contact Sharleen: 086 3911128 ) and every Saturday morning in Kiltoom parish hall at 9.30am (contact Carol: 086 6006866 ).
