No slim pickings for dieters who lose pounds for charity

NINE Waterford men who collectively lost 145 pounds in five weeks hope their loss will be a cancer charity’s gain.

Cha’s Angels led by city councillor and former mayor, Cha O’Neill are thrilled with their feat. In the first two weeks, the men lost 88 pounds. That went up to 108lbs in the final week of the challenge which is in aid of the South East Cancer Foundation.

Collectively, they weighed in almost 10-and-a-half stone or a whole average person lighter when the final weigh-in took place. “We are over the moon,” an elated Mr O’Neill said as the men weighed in and they thanked all their various mentors.

Cha’s Angels avoided the temptations to splurge during the Cheltenham festival, St Patrick’s Day and Easter.

Instead, they made do with porridge, fruit treats and lean meats such as chicken. All alcohol was banned.

They’re now appealing to anyone who has filled sponsorship cards to hand them in so that the funding tally can be assessed. “We hope to be in a position to hand over a cheque to the foundation within the next fortnight,” said Mr O’Neill.

Among the biggest “losers” on the challenge were Rody Keighery and Eddie Power. They each lost 18l pounds. Cha and the boys were joined on the slimathon by Mattie and Conor O’Shea, Tony Ryan, Stephen Walshe, Eamonn Rice and Tom Greene.

The lads all signed up with Unislim and weighed in every Monday night and their progress was mapped by nutritionist Aoife Hearne.

The foundation is an independent charity set up in 1999 to provide counselling, massage, art therapy, and support to cancer patients and their families.