SHEDDING pounds in weight could add pounds in cash to a hospice's coffers.

Manorlands is challenging people to lose festive excesses and raise money through sponsorship for the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

And leading by example is senior fundraiser Andrew Wood, who wants to shed weight in time for his wedding in August.

"I've never been as heavy as I am at the moment – it would be good to lose a stone or two before getting married," said Mr Wood, who currently weighs in at over 16 stones.

"I am hoping that the challenge of competitive weight loss will give me the motivation I need to do this.

"With working in the fundraising office, people often ask me if I'm participating in our events myself, but I am frequently busy with organising the likes of the BigK 10K and Bronte Mountain Bike Challenge. This event is a little easier to take part in, though no less challenging!"

The 38-year-old, from Oakworth, said there were different ways participants could maximise the amount they raise.

"The method I'm going with is to ask people to sponsor me to achieve a particular target and if I fail by say 20 per cent I’ll pay them back 20 per cent of what they sponsored me," he said.

"That way, the hospice gets money whatever and it's an extra incentive for me to lose the weight."

The challenge, dubbed Incredible Largest Loser, starts on January 26 and will run for just under ten weeks.

Those taking part will be offered free use of facilities at truGym and Workouts, in Keighley.

There will individual and gym team accolades for those achieving the highest percentage weight loss.

It is the first time Manorlands has staged the challenge, but fellow Sue Ryder hospice Wheatfields, in Leeds, has successfully run it in the past.

Jodie Batters, a fundraising assistant at Manorlands, said: "We are all incredibly excited at the prospect of this fitness programme, allowing people a healthy start to 2015."

Registration costs £50 and people are asked to raise at least £200, which could pay for four programmes of bereavement sessions at the hospice.

Visit sueryder.org/largestloser or call 01535 640441 for further details.

MORE TOP STORIES