TWO slimming groups from Melksham have so far raised over £600 for Cancer Research UK from a 10-mile sponsored walk along the Kennet & Avon Canal.

The groups strolled along the tow path from Tesco in Melksham to Caen Locks in Devizes and back on Sunday, August 27.

The Slimming World ‘Walk All Over Cancer’ event was aimed at raising awareness of the links between obesity and cancer.

The slimmers attend the Melksham Town Hall and Spencer's Social Club groups run by Slimming World Consultant Carmen Middleditch.

They included the Melksham Town Hall group’s ‘Man of the Year’, Josh Cotton, and the Spencer’s Social Club group’s ‘Woman of the Year’, Ann Stanford.

Mr Cotton has lost over 4.5 stones since joining in March this year, while Mrs Stanford has lost three stones since January and was celebrating being given the all-clear on cancer.

Weight loss Consultant Carmen Middleditch who runs both groups each week, said: "We had lovely weather conditions for our walk and in true Slimming World-style our members, their friends and families were out in force to support each other.

“The walk showed just what can be done when we come together - both in terms of achieving something amazing and raising money for a great cause too.

"I’m so proud of all of my members, including Josh and Ann, who set themselves the challenge of walking more this August and absolutely smashed it!”

As well as raising vital funds for charity, the Slimming World members aimed to raise awareness of the fact that keeping a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing 13 types of cancer.

Josh said: "Before I lost the weight a challenge like this would have felt completely out of reach. I barely had the energy to go about my day, let alone go for a walk.

“Slimming World helped me break free and given me back the life I dreamed of. As the weight came off I found I had so much more energy.”

Ann was shocked to be told by her consultant she should lose weight. "At first I was really upset then I thought, well, I'll show him and by the end of July this year I reached my three stone target.

“When I went back to see him on August 24 I was finally given the all-clear. I realised that when people believe in you - and you believe in yourself - you can do anything you set your mind to.”

The money raised will support Cancer Research UK’s life-saving research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all cancers.

For more information about the Slimming World groups or their Walk All Over Cancer campaign event contact Carmen on 07828 487 569.

The Melksham Town Hall group meets every Wednesday at 5.30pm and 7.30pm, and the Spencer’s Social Club group meets every Friday at 9.30am and 11.30am.