Local Weightwatchers members go the extra mile for charity

Members of Weightwatchers have been going the extra mile for Diabetes UK after committing to walk as much as possible to raise money for the charity.

Weightwatchers in Ireland pledged to walk a combined total of 80,000km and in Bernie’s groups alone, the members have walked a staggering 19,000km. “The walk was different than most sponsored walks as it was over a period of two months,” explained Bernie. “The idea was that in eight weeks all Weightwatchers members would walk a total of 80,000km.”

Bernie also set herself a personal target of walking 1,000km, which she completed in seven weeks. “I thought I could not ask my members to do something that I was not willing to do myself,” she said.

“So every morning I surfaced at 5.45am and took my first walk of the day, I would then do another in the afternoon and if I had the energy I did another in the evening. I think my legs must be 3 inches shorter now!”

The Northern Ireland branch of Diabetes UK is Weightwatchers chosen charity for the year and Bernie was delighted that her classes raised a fantastic £3515 for the charity. “Diabetes is a disease which is on the increase and it is estimated that by 2025, five million will have the condition,” explained Bernie. “A person is more at risk of developing this condition if they are overweight. And this is where the partnership comes to the fore. Every kilo of weight lost reduces the risk by 15%. Diabetes type 2 is reversible. I have a member in my Crumlin class who has lost 3st and has been informed by her doctor that she can come off all of her diabetes medication. He puts it down to her change of diet and with her increase in activity since attending my class.”

Classes are held in Railway Street Presbyterian Church Hall on Tuesday at 9.30am and 1.00pm. There are also classes in Brownlee Primary School on Tuesday at 5.15pm and Thursday at 5.15pm and 6.30pm.