It is time for me to become fit and healthy to stay around for a few more years. On July 23rd, 2001, I weighed 22 stones 7 lbs (315 pounds or 143 kgs). This is partly due to eight years steroid treatment and all previous efforts of weight loss have been only temporary. This project is therefore long term, for at least two years. The first target is to lose 42 lbs (3 stone, or 19 kilos) by January 21st 2001. After this, the schedule will be reassessed, with the initial ob jective to lose 70 lbs (5 stone, or 32 kilos) over a year (July 15th, 2002).

Sponsorship for the first six months is organised by Anna Watson (annakol@aol.com) on behalf of the Rotary Club of Kenilworth. I will be weighed weekly, and in any week that my weight rises I will donate £1 per lb.

The proceeds will be donated to Rotary Charities, the main benefactor being Joe Homan’s Charitable Trust. Joe gave up his job as a teacher to work in India, building communities to help young boys and girls gain a practical education and become self sufficient . You may learn more about the Trust by clicking here.