Slimmers in Sidmouth have raised £375 for Cancer Research UK by taking on their own Race For Life challenge.

The town’s Slimming World groups organised the event to raise money for the charity and to increase awareness of how keeping a healthy weight can improve health, including reducing the risk of developing 10 types of cancer. Members, who have lost 43 stone between them, laced up their trainers for a three-mile walk from the toll bridge to Sidford and back again.

Among the 30 strong group was Sidmouth resident Marie-Anne Watson, who lost four stone in nine months. The great-grandmother used to need a stick and could only walk a matter of yards before stopping. She said the weight loss had given her a ‘ new lease of life.’

Jon Borowik, group consultant said: “There were some members there who would never have imagined walking that distance before losing the weight.”