BASINGSTOKE slimmers have joined together to raise nearly £13,000 for a cancer charity.

Members of Slimming World groups across Basingstoke took part in the national fundraising campaign, the Big Slimming World Clothes Throw, last month.

The fundraising effort saw members collect all their unwanted clothes, shoes and accessories and donate them to their local Cancer Research UK shop.

In total, 501 bags of unwanted clothes were donated across Basingstoke which amounted to £12,750 being raised for the cancer research charity.

Lizi Nickless, the slimming world consultant for the Oakridge group, which meets on Mondays and Saturdays at the Oakridge Hall for All, said: “I am delighted that my members are always so keen to pull together and support local good causes.

“Cancer touches so many people’s lives so most people are keen to contribute. The money raised will support Cancer Research UK’s research that helps to find new treatments and in the long term, a cure for cancer.”

One slimmer who was more than happy to donate her unwanted clothes was Louise Hall after her staggering weight loss of six stone and 12lbs since joining the group in October 2013.

Mrs Hall, who lives in Wateridge Road, in Oakridge, said: “I found it really liberating to get rid of all my old clothes and I am not worried about ever needing them again because this is the new me now, I feel great.

“It’s easy to take your health for granted and I think it is so important to support causes that help others that aren’t in good health. Thanks to Slimming World, I feel fitter and healthier than ever and it is great to know that the money raised from my donated items will go towards research to find better ways to treat cancer.”