Weigh to go! Group shed pounds to raise pounds for hospice

The Biggest Loser competition, run by Rennie Grove Hospice, challenged people to slim down for sponsorship money and together they raised £8,000.

Biggest loser Nick Samuel, 42, lost three stone - 14.2 per cent of his body weight - in less than five months.

He weighed more than 21 stone in January but after a rigorous 18-week training regime at Aqua Vale, now weighs 18 stone.

He said: “It was very good. The gym, raising money and meeting people. I did a lot of miles on that bike but I’ll be back to do more. I’m definitely going to keep it up.”

Nick trained alongside 14 others - four of which are from the Aylesbury Vale. He won a styling package, courtesy of Styled by Mel, and a year’s free gym membership at Aqua Vale.

Martin Hubbard from Aylesbury took the top fundraiser prize, raising over £1,300 through cake sales, quizzes and a market stall. He won a spa day in St Albans.

Sue Newling said the competition has helped her learn ‘good habits’ and now feels ‘brave enough to go to the gym’. Mandy Lydick, a personal trainer at Aqua Vale, said: “I’ve absolutely loved the Biggest Loser initiative.

“It’s great to see a visible difference thanks to all their hard work.”