SLIMMERS are shedding weight and at the same time helping those still suffering in the aftermath of the horrific nuclear disaster in Chernobyl.

Slimming World club members at the Centre Spot, Turf Moor, decided to clear their cupboards of banned goodies, which spoil their dieting plans, and to send to the Ukraine their clothing which is now umpteen sizes too big.

The idea was hatched by Joan Downey, Slimming World's consultant, and one of her slimmers, Val Riley, who for eight years has been getting relief aid out to the stricken area. In all she has made some 20 trips.

Mrs Downey, of Burnley Road East, Waterfoot, said: "I advised members to get rid of food that they no longer wished to eat. I told them to clear out their cupboards.

"And, of course, they all had clothing which was hanging off them. We knew that Val worked for a charity going out to Chernobyl and so it seemed sensible to put the two things together."

Mrs Riley, of Spring Hill Farm, Dene Lane, Water, is part of the Rossendale Aid to Ukraine, a Christian charity based at Lumb Baptist Church.

She said: "The more we can send the better. There is no National Health Service out there, no Social Security, everything has to be paid for.

"By donating everyday items we can at least help them to free money to buy medicines and other medical supplies that they urgently need."

Val is appealing for good clothing, for men, women and children, both winter and summer wear, tooth brushes, toothpaste and other toiletries, and bedding, duvets, eiderdowns and sheets. "Not only do these people have to try and live with the aftermath of one of the worst nuclear disasters but there is a terrible economic crisis in the country," she said.

If anyone wants to know what they should donate can contact 01706 214198.

A 20 ton lorry will soon be making another mercy mission.

As for Mrs Riley, she might have some difficulty convincing the Ukrainians she is the same Val Riley as the last time, having lost more than 40 pounds.

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