Published on: Monday 04 Apr 2016 at 13:34
‘You Lose, We Gain’ challenge is heavy-weight success!
St Clare Hospice’s inaugural ‘You Lose, We Gain’ sponsored health kick was a resounding success with the fitness fundraisers losing a combined total of over 160 inches from their waistlines and raising more than £3,000 for St Clare!
The nine-week fitness challenge launched in January, when a group of more than twenty determined slimmers signed up to shed their excess pounds in return for sponsorship from friends and family. The participants were supported over the course of the challenge by the body experts from NX Professionals who provided specialist healthy eating and exercise advice.
The final weigh-in took place on Saturday 19 March when the combined total weight loss of the twenty finishers came to an impressive 15 stone 8lbs. The two ‘biggest losers’ were Craig Reynolds who lost the most weight, shedding 2 stone, and Nicola Barrigan who lost the most inches, dropping a remarkable 21 inches.
Amongst the group were ten members of St Clare Hospice staff, including Finance Manager Steve Truman, who was St Clare’s ‘biggest loser’ shedding an extraordinary 1 stone 11 lbs. Steve said: “Working in finance at St Clare, I am usually the last person wanting to lose pounds round here but over the past two months I’ve been racing to shed them!”
“I know how important it is that we raise £3.7million every year so that we can keep delivering amazing care to local families in need. I’m just pleased that I have been able to help fundraise for such a worthy cause while also getting back in shape.”
“I combined healthy eating with regular exercise and have been cycling round my hometown of Great Dunmow to help shed the excess pounds. I’ve lost nearly two stone now and I’m the fittest I’ve been since my twenties! This has inspired me to keep going and I’ve started training for the London to Brighton cycle ride for St Clare which is in September.”
Steve Truman, St Clare Finance Manager, who has lost almost 2 stoneCaroline Collins from NX Professionals said: “NXP were thrilled to work with the St Clare team on the ‘You Lose, We Gain’ challenge. As fitness and nutrition professionals we are extremely happy with the amazing results and it’s been a pleasure watching the team over the past nine weeks. We feel we have re-educated the group on fitness and helped to change their lifestyles – whilst building a great relationship with St Clare Hospice.”
St Clare challenges fundraiser, Jade Clarke, said: “We are so happy the first ‘You Lose, We Gain’ challenge was such a resounding success and would like to thank all our participants for making such a huge effort – both in losing the inches and raising cash for us. It really does make such a difference to local families in need.”
“A big thank you to our event partners at NX Professionals for their hardwork and expertise – they have helped our participants make positive healthy lifestyle changes, as well as lose weight. Also, thank you to Great Parndon Community Association for the use of their venue The Link for all our sessions and for their continued support with other St Clare events.”
If you missed out on securing a place on the ‘You Lose, We Gain challenge’ don’t despair – we will be running another sponsored fitness challenge this summer! If you would like to find out more, or to register your interest, please contact Jade Clarke on 01279 773750 or jade.clarke@stclarehospice.org.uk