CWMBRAN Slimming World groups joined together and raised over £500 for charity by organising a 5k walk for it members.

The groups Llanyravon, Old Cwmbran, Fairhill, Cwmbran RFC and West Pontnewydd joined forces to raise funds for Cancer Research UK through the charity Slimmers Makings It a Little Easier for Someone (SMILES).

The group of 45 were set off on their walk yesterday morning by the Mayor of Torfaen, Councillor Mandy Owen, from the Oasis Car Park in Croesyceiliog.

The walkers then made their way along the river bank to Cwmbran Boating Lake and back.

Llanyravon Slimming World Group leader Helen Jones explained that this is the first time that all of the groups have linked up to run an event.

She said: “It was lovely and everyone taking part really enjoyed it. I am proud of everyone for doing it.”

Mrs Jones who helped organise the event with fellow Cwmbran consultant Nicole Thomas, was awarded the Woman of the Year title in the Cwmbran group last year after losing six stones.

Mrs Jones dropped from a clothes size 24 and weighing 17st 2lbs to a size 12 and weighing 11st after joining the class in October 2011 and hitting her target in May last year.

She then decided to start her own group after becoming a consultant so that she could inspire others to lose weight.

Also taking part in the walk was Ian Sidney, 49, who joined Mrs Jones’ club in November 2013, weighing 20st 11lbs.

He was awarded the Man of the Year title after he lost nearly six stone, now weighing 14st 13lbs.

The Cwmbran group’s Man of the Year, Richard Perry, 32, who weighed 18stone and 2lbs at his heaviest and is now 12 stone 2lbs, also joined in the event.