THREE Renfrewshire slimmers have stepped up to raise hundreds of pounds for a good cause.

Johnstone-based slimming consultant Jennifer McDade and two of her members, Louise Brogan and Lesley Woodhouse, walked 16.5 miles as part of this year’s Kiltwalk to coin in cash for local charity Brightest Star.

Set up by Renfrew mum Arlene Smith, the worthy cause provides support to bereaved families through methods such as counselling, group meetings and memory boxes.

Arlene set up the charity after she lost her son Jack Kennedy in December 2012 to an adenovirus infection, just days before his sixth birthday.

The three slimmers, who have lost more than 9st between them, were spurred to register and put on their walking boots for the popular event after learning that Brightest Star had not received any government support during the Covid pandemic.

Their fundraising efforts have boosted the Brightest Star coffers by more than £1,600, which is set to increase considerably, thanks to a commitment by Scottish philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter to top up all cash raised via the Kiltwalk by 50%.

Jennifer told The Gazette: “I have followed Brightest Star via Facebook since Arlene’s little boy passed away and have seen the amazing work she has put in to support other parents in the same situation.

“I felt that, by walking the Kiltwalk and raising money, we could in turn help more parents.”

Lesley added: “I joined Jennifer’s group in January 2021 and have went on to lose 4st 12lbs.

“This has completely changed my life. I would never have managed to do the walk without losing the weight.

“The support from Jen and my fellow Slimming World members has been amazing.”

For more details about Jennifer’s class, visit www.facebook.com/slimwithjenmcdade.