Local Slimming World members put in Steps for Smiles in support of Irish Cancer Society

Slimming World Consultants and members from Mullingar, Edgeworthstown and Kinnegad raised €1,035 for the Irish Cancer Society through two fundraising challenges during August.

Slimming World consultant Cathriona Tobin and members from her Mullingar and Kinnegad groups raised €515 after taking part in a 5km parkrun walk on Saturday August 29.

The challenge brought members together outside of their weekly Slimming World groups, giving them an opportunity to increase their activity, support and encourage one another and, most importantly, raise vital funds for the Irish Cancer Society.

Cathriona said: “It was fantastic to see everyone coming together and taking on the 5km challenge. There was such a lovely sense of support and encouragement throughout the walk, and I’m incredibly proud of our members.

“Seeing people becoming more active and discovering things they perhaps never imagined themselves doing before joining Slimming World is special. To do that while raising €515 for such an important charity made the day even more meaningful.”

Slimming World consultant Caroline Toal, who runs groups in Mullingar and Edgeworthstown, took on a separate personal challenge and committed to walk 100km during the month of August to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society.

Caroline also joined the 5km parkrun as part of her August activity and, with the support of her Mullingar and Edgeworthstown members, raised €520 from her 100km challenge.

Caroline said: “I wanted to push myself to increase my own activity while raising money for a charity that does such vital work.

“The support and generosity I received from my members blew me away. Every kilometre was worth it, and to finish the month having raised €520 for the Irish Cancer Society made me incredibly proud.

“One of the things I love most about our Slimming World groups is that we’re about so much more than what happens on the scales. We support members to make changes that help them feel healthier, fitter and more confident, and we celebrate every step forward.”

Slimming World’s approach to activity supports members to gradually build more movement into their everyday lives from their own starting points. Members are encouraged to find activities they enjoy and build sustainable habits at a pace that suits them.

Caroline said: “What I loved most about these challenges was seeing people supporting one another. Whether it was walking 5km, completing 100km over the month or simply encouraging and sponsoring someone else, everybody played a part.

“We’re grateful to everyone who donated. To collectively raise €1,035 for the Irish Cancer Society is something we can all be proud of.”

Slimming World has supported the Irish Cancer Society for more than 10 years through a variety of fundraising initiatives, helping to support the charity’s work for people affected by cancer.

Caroline Toal’s Slimming World groups:

Mondays – Mullingar Park Hotel, 4pm, 5.30pm and 7pm

Tuesdays – St Mary’s Community Centre and Sports Hub, Edgeworthstown, 5.30pm and 7pm.

Cathriona’s Slimming World groups:

Wednesdays – Mullingar Park Hotel, 9.30am, 11am, 5.30pm and 7pm

Thursdays – Coralstown/Kinnegad GAA Club, Kinnegad, 5.30pm and 7pm

Anyone interested in finding out more about their local Slimming World group is welcome to come along.