The Beach Slimming World group raise over £350 for Springhill Hospice

The Beach Slimming World group at the Muddy Maniacs, Burrs Country Park, Bury

Local slimmers, who have lost over 15st between them, have raised £355 so far for Springhill Hospice after they laced up their trainers and swapped their usual meeting place of The Beach at Hollingworth Lake for Muddy Maniacs at Burrs Country Park, Bury.

Before joining Slimming World, many of the slimmers did very little exercise, but after getting support to become more active, the group and their consultant, Lisa Elsworth Muir, all managed to complete the 6k Muddy Maniacs obstacle course with big smiles on their faces.

Muddy Maniacs is billed as ‘the ultimate 6km obstacle course run training ground. Mud, water, inflatables and a whole load of fun’.

Lisa says her members thoroughly enjoyed taking part.

Lisa said: “It was a fantastic event, the atmosphere was electric. Everyone was so supportive of each other, we saw young, old, male and female participants enter, all with a broad range of abilities and fitness levels. Entrants could run, walk, or skip across the finish line – whatever they wanted – as long as they enjoyed it, we didn’t mind at all

“I’m so pleased with how much we raised for Springhill Hospice.

“Many of my members wouldn’t have dreamed of even wearing a pair of trainers before they lost weight, and now look at them.”

Karen, a member who has lost four stone, said: “I ran the 6km as it is a cause very close to my heart and it was really important that I crossed that finish line, however long it took me.

“I used to be so daunted just by the thought of exercise, I’d hated it since my school days. I definitely wouldn’t have done something like this before. Since losing weight though, I’m feeling much healthier, happier and more confident. I’m so proud of myself and I know my fellow group members, friends and family are too.”