SOME weighed more than 30 stones while others had barely walked one mile before.

Now members of a slimming group are gearing up to complete the eight-mile Midnight Memories walk.

Stuart Lacey weighed 15 stones when he joined the Slimming World group at Breightmet three years ago. But within the space of 18 months, he lost four stones and is now the group’s leader. He will be joined in the walk by 17 other slimmers, whose ages range from mid-20s to late-50s.

Mr Lacey, aged 28, of Darcy Lever, said: “We wanted to do this event because it’s a local cause which is vital to so many people.

“I can’t wait for the walk. We are very determined to complete this challenge and I am confident we will all finish it.

“Some of the participants were more than 30 stone when they joined and had barely walked a mile. The fact they are doing this walk says that they are an inspiration to other people.”

The group will meet up for a free game of bingo at the Mecca Bingo in Ormrod Street before heading to Victoria Square for the entertainment and warm-up work out.

Mr Lacey added: “It will be great for the group to get everyone together. We are a close-knit group, but this will improve the team spirit even more.”

Breightmet Slimming World has 150 members and holds weekly meetings at St Osmund’s Church Hall in Long Lane and Premier Fives in Leverhulme Park.

The group’s Midnight Memories participants will start the walk at midnight from Victoria Square.

During the event, there will be a pit-stop at Meadowhill Nursery for refreshments before the second half of the walk.

Participants will receive a medal once they return to Victoria Square.

Anyone wanting to take part in the Midnight Memories walk must register by Wednesday, June 18.

The walk takes place on Saturday. Entry fee for the walk is £15 and can be done at boltonhospice.org.uk or call 01204 663055.