ROCHDALE’S Labour parliamentary candidate, Simon Danczuk, has thrown his weight behind our appeal for Springhill Hospice.

He’s signed up to do a sponsored slim and hopes to lose two stone over the next four months.

Mr Danczuk said: "I gave up cigarettes on new year’s eve, which is great, but I’ve been putting on weight ever since. I’ve gone from being 14 stone to over 16 stone in eight months."

He is determined to get down to his ‘fighting weight’ and raise money for the hospice at the same time.

He added: "I know the hospice does an excellent job and I’m proud to be supporting it.

"I’ve called at thousands of Rochdale homes and the hospice often comes up in conversation. Folk always mention the great work it does and describe the excellent service it provides."

He added: "Readers can follow the progress I make on my website – simondanczuk.com."

Pledges of sponsorship and words of support, including dieting recipes, can be emailed to him at simon4rochdale@hotmail.com.