Weigh-In group raise funds for Ugandan orphanage

Liz, a retired RGN, started the 'Weigh-In' group in November 2006, and she said the group was born out of an idea to raise money for orphaned children in Uganda, and to tackle her own weight issues. She said: "I first heard about the orphanage in 2003 when a friend's daughter visited Uganda. She returned with the story of Enid, a professional Health Care Worker, who had taken orphaned children into her home and was struggling to cope. At that time the children were all sleeping on the floor in Enid's house where food was cooked on an open fire in one corner of the room." She added: "It was a tough time for Enid wondering where the next meal would come from." Since then the Beulah Baptist church has funded, and sent a team of volunteers, to Uganda to build two new rooms at the orphanage, in order to accommodate the growing number of children. Liz was herself inspired to do something to help raise badly needed funds for the orphanage and, along with her own desire to lose weight, and exercise more, set about organising the weight loss group. Liz, along with being a retired RGN, had also had experience of weight control clinics and exercise training and, a little over two years ago she began the classes - which have subsequently gone from strength to strength. She said: "Initially about ten people were attending, but now there are between twenty to thirty who regularly attend. In addition, Liz said it's thanks to the generosity of the church allowing the group to use the Clifford Hall free of charge, that she's managed to keep the cost to only 1 a week for members, and as a result the slimmers have been able to sponsor three children at the orphanage. The class starts with a 'weigh in' followed by a gentle exercise routine consisting of stretching exercises, and a music to movement session which lasts for approximately half an hour." Liz said she tries to, "avoid the word diet", preferring instead to promote healthy eating and exercise, and many of the class members have successfully lost weight under Liz's careful guidance. She said: "Several of the members have achieved brilliant weight losses. Two members have lost two stones each and are competing for Slimmer of the Year." Local resident Jean Sanford, 75 said she thoroughly enjoys the classes: "Liz is great fun and the exercises are good for us. We're hoping to shed a few pounds and it's nice to be sponsoring the children at the orphanage." "Outnumbered" lone male Jeff Ball, 61, started attending the class last October after being made redundant. His Wife Eileen encouraged him to join the group to get him out of the house and he said he hoped to shed a few pounds - although apparently it's Eileen's fault that he hasn't been successful in this regard. Jeff said: "I've been trying to loose weight but so far I've not been successful, I've got a good cook at home and she spoils me!" He added: "I enjoy the exercise and it's a good chance to help out with funding for the orphanage." Talented Jeff has also helped raise additional funds for the orphanage by producing a calender, selling all eighty copies that were printed. The generous ladies of the group also make or buy things to send to the orphanage, including clothes, books, pencils, crayons blankets and sheets. Liz said that the highlight of last year was, for her, a visit to the orphanage. She said: "The highlight of last year was when my husband and I visited the project and bought essential items for the children. It was an amazing experience!" Liz's class has proved so popular with local residents, that although there is room for new members to join the actual weigh-in sessions, currently the music to movement session is full due to space restrictions in the hall - although Liz said anyone is welcome to add their names to the waiting list. For further information call Liz on (01424) 848665