Colm Duggan, Britney Purcell, Asha Hussein, Dylan Roche and Kody Purcell pictured at the New Ross Slimming World Gala Ball in the Brandon House Hotel. Pic: John Walsh

THERE WAS a palpable buzz of excitement in the Brandon House Hotel recently when the Terrerath Slimming World group celebrated its first anniversary with a Gala Ball.

The members of the group have lost a staggering 868 stone 5lbs over the last 12 months while many members had individual achievements to celebrate too including Barbara Murphy, from Barntown, who brought home one gold, one silver and two bronze medals from the World Transplant Games.

The group in Terrerath raised €480 to help send her to the games and the members also raised €650 in July when they held a sponsored walk in aid of the Marie Keating Foundation.

Two other members, Tracey O’Neill and Emma Jayne Hayes, lost over seven stone 100lbs each during the year and according to group organiser, Anne Marie Foley, it has “changed their whole lives”.

Ms. Foley was presented with flowers and a gift voucher on the night of the Gala Ball – much to her surprise – although she said it a “very much appreciated” gesture from the members.

Music was provided by Divine Invention who kept the crowd bouncing for the entire night.

Speaking to the Echo about the event Ms. Foley compliment the hotel’s head chef: “A beautiful low fat menu was created by Head Chef, Emmet so no one felt they were being deprived in any way.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Terrerath Slimming World group can go along to the local community hall on Mondays at 9.30 a.m., 5.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.

Alternatively, people can contact Anne-Marie directly on 087-9526932.