Staff from Birstall based paint manufacturer Johnstone's have raised more than £5k* for charity after a group of managers went on a sponsored 'slimathon'.

The sponsored weight loss took place between January 1 st and April 20 th when four staff set themselves the task of losing nine and a half stone. They were each sponsored for every pound they managed to lose. The money raised is being donated to Cancer Research UK .

Steve Boardman, manager of the Johnstone's Leyland Decorating Centre in Salford , came up with the idea for the sponsored slim:

"Like many people I have been affected by cancer. My mother died of the disease when I was younger and I lost my girlfriend to cancer two years ago. When it came to new year's resolutions this year, I thought a sponsored slim would be a great way to lose weight and help a very worthy cause."

Steve has been joined in his slimathon by colleagues Emma Aldred, Jim France, and Paul Smith, who all work at Johnstone's Leyland Decorating Centres in the area.

Sally Hutton, Area Volunteer Manager from Cancer Research UK says: "On behalf of Cancer Research UK I'd like to say a huge thank you to Steve and the rest of the team at SigmaKalon UK for their support.

"The money raised will go towards Cancer Research UK 's extensive research programme, which is tackling many different types of cancer. The charity currently spends over £5 million each year in Leeds on researching our understanding of cancer and investigating how best to prevent, diagnose and treat the many forms of the disease."

The four charity slimmers, who were sponsored by friends and colleagues from Johnstone's throughout the UK , will be presenting the cheque to Sally Hutton at Johnstone's headquarters at Birstall on Friday 20 th April.

The presentation will follow a walk from the SigmaKalon site in Morley which aims to raise awareness of the work of Cancer Research UK .

"To lose almost ten stone in three months represents a fantastic achievement by Steve and his fellow slimmers. To be able give over five thousand pounds to such a worthwhile cause is excellent news and carries on a long tradition of support Johnstone's has given to the community over the years. Well done to everyone involved," concludes Matt Baines, Channel Marketing Controller, Johnstone's.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The final amount raised on behalf of Cancer Research will be confirmed on the day itself.

• The group of slimmers, supported by friends and colleagues will be setting off from Morley at approximately 8.00am and aim to reach SigmaKalon HQ by 9.00am where interviews and photo opportunities will be available.

Further information
Mark Hand / Natalie Greenway
Connect PR
01902 714957
markh@connect-group.com

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