Slimmers from Royston and the surrounding areas were over the moon to raise thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK by giving up clothes that no longer fit them.

Royston Crow: Slimming world consultant Lesley Thornalley-Grey accepts some donations from a Slimming World member. Picture: Danny LooSlimming world consultant Lesley Thornalley-Grey accepts some donations from a Slimming World member. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

The Slimming World members, led by Sandra Lloyd, set up their collection in the Tesco car park on Saturday – and were thrilled to get 275 bags full, which amounts to £7,500 for the charity.

Sandra told the Crow: “It was fantastic, I was absolutely blown away by the response we had.

“For the consultants to get the message out there and to see how much the members donated, it was emotional to see the end result.

“It was an uplifting day for the members who came down. Everyone was chatting and having a good time.

Royston Crow: Some of the bags of clothes collected by Slimming World for Cancer Research. Picture: Danny LooSome of the bags of clothes collected by Slimming World for Cancer Research. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

“This is the first time we have done the fundraiser like this – before it would all be done through consultants, but that doesn’t create the community spirit and we want to show people what we were doing.

“So we set up at Tesco and everyone could see what was going on, and we want to thank Tesco for letting us use a chunk of their car park.”

She added: “These clothes aren’t old or tatty, there’s some good stuff in there. When people are bigger they tend to wear more comfortable outfits, clothes they can hide in – so this shows them leaving that behind as they continue on their weight loss journey.”

As well as Sandra – Jo Mitchell, Angela Andersen, Lesley Thornalley-Grey, Lynsey Langdon and Alison Walker manned the stall on the day.

Royston Crow: Slimming world consultants Jo Mitchell with Chloe, Angela Anderson, Lynsey Langdon, Sandra Lloyd and Lesley Thornalley-Grey with their donations. Picture: Danny LooSlimming world consultants Jo Mitchell with Chloe, Angela Anderson, Lynsey Langdon, Sandra Lloyd and Lesley Thornalley-Grey with their donations. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

Royston mayor Vera Swallow, whose husband Colin is a Slimming World member, went along to support the cause.

The mayor told the Crow: “It was quite overwhelming to have such a well-attended event, as you could see by all the clothes and people helping out with such a worthy cause.

“Everyone knows someone affected by cancer so it’s great that Royston is doing so much for these charities, we’ve had this and there’s Royston in Blue this weekend for teenage cancer.

“They were very nice ladies, and the commitment they showed and time they gave up for this really is wonderful. I was very honoured to be invited.”

For more on Cancer Research UK see cancerresearchuk.org and for more on Slimming World go to slimmingworld.co.uk.