Slimming World Head Office staff conquer the 2024 London Marathon
Two colleagues at Slimming World’s Head Office, based in Alfreton, Derbyshire, have completed the 2024 London Marathon in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Emily Young and Lianne Bush ran as part of the 17-strong team, made up of Slimming World members, Consultants and Head Office staff. The runners raised an incredible £51,000 for Cancer Research UK, the Irish Cancer Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK, Slimming World’s official charity partners.
By running the marathon, Emily and Lianne aimed to raise awareness of how healthy eating and moving more can protect our physical and brain health. According to Alzheimer’s Research UK’s ‘Think Brain Health’ campaign, being active is one of several ways people can help protect brain health and reduce their risk of dementia in later life.
Food Data Manager and Registered Nutritionist Emily, 43, from Alfreton, says: “When I found out I’d secured a spot on the team I was in disbelief. I’ve entered the ballot for the last 15 years and have never been successful. It’s a dream come true, and it means so much to have run in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK as it’s a charity very close to my heart."
I ran the marathon in memory of my Grandma Edna, Grandad Harold and my mother-in-law, Vera – who were all very dear to me, and who all lived with a form of dementia. It’s been amazing to have the opportunity to help a charity which works so hard find a cure for this disease.
Lianne, 35, from Leabrooks, who works as a Field Support Team Manager, says: “I’ve loved being part of the Slimming World marathon team! We’ve motivated and cheered each other on every step of the way, and it’s been really helpful to share fundraising ideas and training advice.
“Emily and I have held a number of fundraising activities at Head Office, and they were all met with so much support and enthusiasm by our colleagues. We ran a guess my time sweepstake, and even organised a sponsored walk in the Peak District. "
We’re so grateful for everyone’s donations and all the well wishes that got us through training and the big day itself!
Lucy Squance, Director of Supporter Led Fundraising at Alzheimer’s Research UK says:
"We’re truly grateful to Emily, Lianne and the team of dedicated Slimming World runners for taking in the London Marathon to raise much-needed funds and awareness for Alzheimer's Research UK. We loved cheering from the side-lines and celebrating with them at the finish line.
“Tragically, dementia is the UK’s biggest killer and if nothing changes, one in two of us will be directly affected by it, either by developing it ourselves, caring for someone with it, or both. Alzheimer’s Research UK exists for a cure and it’s people like Emily and Lianne, and organisations like Slimming World, who will help us find one. We can’t thank them enough for standing (or running) with us!”
Slimming World was founded by Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE in Derbyshire in 1969 and has become the UK and Ireland’s leading weight loss organisation with more people choosing to attend a Slimming World group each week than any other weight loss programme. We support hundreds of thousands of people, both in our groups and online, to lose weight and to adopt new habits to stay slim for life.
Over the years our founding principles haven’t changed:
· Our unique programme is based on a powerfully motivating support system called IMAGE (Individual Motivation and Group Experience) Therapy. Underpinned by a deep understanding of the psychology of people living with overweight and obesity, and incorporating the most effective sustainable behaviour change techniques, IMAGE Therapy is designed to inspire and motivate slimmers to make positive mindset changes and to develop new, healthier habits around food and activity.
· Food Optimising is our healthy eating plan, based on the liberating concept of Free Food. We encourage members to fill up on those foods that are naturally lower in energy density (calories per gram) and also highly satisfying while limiting foods that are highest in fat and sugar and are less satisfying, so they lose weight without ever feeling hungry or deprived and without having to weigh, measure or count everything they eat.
· Our physical activity support programme, Body Magic helps members to overcome any barriers around exercise. Members choose when to start and they set the pace, finding activities they genuinely enjoy, until regular physical activity becomes an intrinsic part of their daily routine.
· At the heart of everything we do lies our passion for treating every member with genuine care, empathy and respect.
We’re proud to work with the NHS, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), The Royal College of Midwives, Diabetes UK and others to help shape the future of weight management in the UK and Ireland.
For more information about Slimming World’s approach visit slimmingworld.co.uk or slimmingworld.ie
Follow Slimming World on X and Instagram at @slimmingworld, become a Slimming World fan on Facebook at facebook.com/slimmingworld or tune in on TikTok at tiktok.com/@slimmingworld
For the Press Office visit our newsroom or email public.relations@slimmingworld.co.uk
About Alzheimer's Research UK:
· Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity.
· Our vision is a world free from the fear, harm and heartbreak of dementia.
· We fund life-changing research, influence government and policy-makers, and provide information for people affected by dementia.
· Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure for dementia, by revolutionising the way we treat, diagnose and prevent the condition.
· Since the charity was founded in 1992 we have invested more than £188m in dementia research, helping fuel drug discovery, improve diagnostics and further our understanding of the genetics of the condition.
· Last year we invested more than £28m in our charitable activities, including £23m in research.
· You can support Alzheimer’s Research UK by donating, fundraising, volunteering and campaigning. To find out more about the charity and how you can help visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org or call 0300 111 5555.
· Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.