STAFF from Karen's Coffee House and Restaurant in Tavistock have spent over 12 months slimming and raised £1,230 for Macmillan Cancer Support and the British Heart Foundation.

Karen Kestell and Hayley Stephens started slimming in November 2013 by attending Slimming World and Zumba classes and have raised funds through sponsorship and donations made by family, friends and customers. Part of this was also raised by selling mulled wine and soup at the popular Dickensian Evening this year.

Karen said: 'My mother and aunt both received support from Macmillan when they had cancer and so it is a cause really close to my heart.'

Hayley, who lost 3 stone 9lbs, said: 'My granddad and father-in-law both have heart problems and so I wanted to support the British Heart Foundation'.

Karen, who won Woman of the Year at Slimming World for losing five stone in weight said: 'At first it was really hard as we make all of our own cakes at the café and so I had to bring in carrot sticks and other healthy snacks.

'Now I am feeling really great and our slimming has influenced what we do at the café.

'We can now advise our customers on the slimming world 'sin' value for our cakes and we make some sugar free cakes for people with conditions such as diabetes.'

Local fundraising manager for Macmillan Sian Ward-Edwards said: 'Karen and Hayley have done such a great job at fundraising and their donation will make a difference to people affected by cancer and with heart conditions'.

For more details of Karen's Café visit the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/karenstavistock">www.facebook.com/karenstavistock

Anyone affected by cancer can contact the free Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 0000.