Weight loss raised charity funds

A six-week weight loss challenge undertaken by the members of the Slimming World operation in Kilcullen has raised €330 for two charities, writes Brian Byrne.

In all, some 80 members shed a combined 563lbs or more than 40 stone over the period. Some raised funds through sponsorship, others made individual donations each week.

A portion of the money was presented to David Byrne and his son Ethan, who is ill with leukaemia, for Ethan's Trust which has been set up to help fund the 4-year-old's treatment.

"It is a great achievement, and I'm very proud of the members," says Julie Fagan, who set up the Kilcullen branch of Slimming World in January after being a member herself for two years. "The branch also won a Silver Award in January from the Slimming World organisation."

Pictured at the presentation to Ethan's Trust are Donna Byrne, Carol O'Beirne, David Byrne with Ethan, Julie Fagan, Clare Boyce and Suzanne Curran.