GENEROUS slimmers in Newport have raised more than £17,000 by donating old clothes.

Slimming World group members across the city donated their old baggy outfits to The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw in support of Cancer Research UK, raising £17,275 for the charity.

More than 690 bags of old clothes, shoes and accessories have been donated by members, with each bag thought to be worth £25. The clothes were given directly to Cancer Research UK to be resold in their charity shops to raise funds.

Last year, slimmers across the UK raised £2.1 million through donations and this year it’s hoped the event will smash that target and raise £3 million for Cancer Research UK.

The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw aims to increase awareness of how keeping a healthy weight helps reduce the risk of developing some types of cancer.

Consultant Leanne Clarke, who runs the morning group in St Julians, is proud of her members’ fundraising efforts.

She said: “The members never fail to amaze me with their weight loss results week after week and it has been great to see so many bags of clothes donated through The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw.

“This year’s Clothes Throw has been a fantastic success, and I can’t believe just how many bags the members from across Newport have collected.

“Lots of people don’t know that maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce the risk of developing some types of cancer. All of the wardrobes cleared and every donation made by our members will make a huge difference to Cancer Research UK and we’re so grateful for everyone’s support.

“It has been a great chance for the members who have done so well to celebrate their amazing weight losses by saying goodbye to their ‘before’ clothes.”