Slimmers donate chocolates in a win-win move for St Catherine’s – and their diets!

Savvy slimmers hoping to stick to their diet plans have removed the temptation of leftover Christmas chocolates – by donating the goodies to St Catherine’s Hospice.

Brookfield Slimming World consultant Gavin Preston has been a supporter of the charity since his mum, Irene Pounder, was cared for at the Lostock Hall hospice three years ago.

He began his own weight-loss journey after deciding to take part in a sponsored skydive to raise funds for St Catherine’s, but was over the weight limit for the challenge.

After joining Slimming World, Gavin managed to lose five stones and made the jump in September 2015. He’s since continued to shed the pounds, and set up his own group last summer.

“It’s completely changed my life,” he said. “I work as a taxi driver but I’m stopping that soon to look after two other Slimming World groups in Blackburn.

“I just used to eat in the car and was sat down all day, so the weight piled up, but doing the skydive for St Catherine’s gave me the motivation to change.

“I have two groups at Brookfield Primary School in Preston, with 150 members, and it’s getting busier, especially at this time of year. One of our members was telling me about how much chocolate she’d been given over Christmas, and suggested a chocolate amnesty!

“Everyone was on board and agreed to donate their unopened boxes of chocolates to charity, to get rid of the temptation and help everyone get back on track with their diet plans.

“It’s ok to have chocolate as a treat from time-to-time, but I thought this was such a great idea to help motivate everyone to get back into healthy eating for the New Year, whilst supporting two worthy local causes.

“We chose The Foxton Centre in Preston and St Catherine’s, as it’s a charity which is close to so many people’s hearts.”

Gavin called in to the hospice with two full carrier bags of chocolates, which will be offered to patients during Day Therapy visits, and as raffle and tombola prizes at various events to raise funds.

Gavin, from Walton-le-Dale, is also encouraging his Slimming World members and friends from a running club to join him for the annual St Catherine’s Moonlight and Memories Walk on 1^st July, and to tackle the charity’s new Trailblazer obstacle run on 16^th April.

Lorraine Charlesworth, director of community and income at the hospice, said: “What an innovate idea from Gavin’s Slimming World group – this donation will not only help raise funds, but will give a boost to the Day Therapy patients, families and carers who we support.

“It costs £5.2m to run St Catherine’s each year, and we need to generate £3.5m through charitable efforts. We are constantly amazed by the different ways the local community finds to support us, from fundraising on our behalf to making donations, and taking part in our sponsored challenges.

“It’s fantastic to hear that Gavin is helping to raise awareness of the good work of St Catherine’s, whilst also inspiring his friends and members to keep fit and active, and raising vital funds for the hospice in the process!”

To find out more about the charity’s upcoming fundraising events, including an abseil and bike ride, click here, or call 01772 629171.

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