SLIMMERS in Swindon who have shed more than 5,700 stone since the beginning of the year will be bagging up their clothes that no longer fit in the name of charity.

Confident that they’ll never need their larger clothes again, the members of the Swindon Slimming World groups will be donating the clothes they’ve successfully slimmed out of to Cancer Research UK.

The Swindon Slimming World groups will be holding their annual Big Slimming World Clothes Throw at the Freshbrook Community Centre on Saturday from 1.30pm till 4pm.

This will be followed by a second session on Sunday, May 15 at Tesco Extra on Ocotal way from 10.30am until 3pm.

Anyone who would like to join in is invited to bag up and drop off the clothes, shoes and accessories they no longer need to the group too.

Around 3800 weekly members in Swindon have lost an amazing 5755 stone since January – so there are lots of clothes to collect. Every bag collected will be donated to the Cancer Research UK shop in Swindon, and could raise up to £25 for the charity.

Pete Day, who runs the weekly Rodbourne Cheney Slimming World group, said: "My members are so confident that they’ll maintain their fantastic weight losses, that when I told them about the Big Slimming World Clothes Throw they couldn’t wait to spring-clean their wardrobes and donate them to a good cause.

"Recent research from Cancer Research UK found that there’s ‘not a shadow of a doubt that obesity is linked to cancer’, so it’s a cause that’s close to the heart of many of my members – which is why Slimming World chose Cancer Research UK as our national charity partner.

"Lots of people don’t know that losing weight can reduce the risk of developing some kinds of cancer, as well as other health conditions including diabetes, heart disease and stroke. We really hope the bag collection will go some way towards spreading that message, as well as raising lots of money for Cancer Research UK.?

"We’d love to invite people in Swindon to join us by donating their unwanted items too. Not only is it the perfect excuse to have a spring-clean and make room for a whole new summer wardrobe, it’s also fantastic therapy.

"Psychologists say that getting rid of old clothes liberates you from the past and most importantly, helps you to love and value the person you are today. When it comes to losing weight, learning to let go of the past and treat yourself with the same kindness, care and compassion you do other people, is so important. Each week in group we celebrate success, support, and learn from each other in a fun atmosphere that’s without an ounce of judgement or blame.

"Last year my members collected a whopping 1500 bags, which contributed towards an incredible £1.7million worth of stock being donated to Cancer Research UK shops around the country.

"With the help of members and people in Swindon, we’re hoping to beat that total this year, and reach our target of £2million. I’m looking forward to the members’ weight loss success and generosity contributing to that again"