NEWPORT slimmers will take part in a sponsored slim this month to raise funds for our Jack’s Appeal.

Ringland Slimming World members will aim to shed as many pounds as possible over the next six weeks to raise money to provide defibrillators for every secondary school in Gwent.

The slimmers decided to take on the challenge after reading about the Argus campaign Jack’s Appeal, which aims to raise money to provide each secondary school in Gwent with a defibrillator after Oakdale teenager Jack Thomas, 15, died suddenly of a suspected heart problem while watching rugby at his girlfriend’s house in Newbridge.

Ringland Slimming World leader Katie Thomas said: “We decided to do a sponsored slim for charity and after hearing about Jack’s Appeal the group chose that as our cause.

“Around 20-30 members aged between 17-80 years old are taking part and it is about losing pounds to raise the pounds.”

The first weigh in was on Monday where members set themselves the amount that they want to lose and their last weigh will be on March 31.

The group hope to raise around £500 and at the end of the slimathon they will hold a “wrap party”.

Anyone who wishes to make a simple donation to Jack’s Appeal, or donate the proceeds of a fundraising event, can send cheques made payable to cardiac charity Welsh Hearts, either to its headquarters at Temple Court, 13a Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9HA, or to Newsdesk, South Wales Argus, Cardiff Road, Newport, NP20 3QN. Please write JackThomas Defibs Appeal on the back of the envelope.

A ball will be held at the Hilton Hotel, in Langstone, on June 7 to raise money for the campaign. Tickets are £45, including a drinks reception, a three-course meal and entertainment. It will be held at the hotel on Chepstow Road. People should arrive at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. For tickets call on 02920 786521 or fund

raising@welshhearts.org