HEALTH heroes are inviting people to shed the pounds in more ways than one — by giving up their favourite treats and donating the money they save to Ardgowan Hospice.

The fundraising team are encouraging people to join them in ‘Aff it for Ardgowan’ — a challenge which encourages people to give up junk food, smoking or alcohol and donate the cash they would have spent to the hospice instead.

To coincide with this, the team have also launched ‘Get Active for Ardgowan’, urging people to keep fit in aid of the facility.

Ian Marshall, interim chief executive at the hospice, has set the bar high by signing up for the 53-mile Highland Fling ultra marathon.

He said: “I wanted to set an example from the top and hopefully encourage others to get involved too.”

Joanna Hunter, 29, who is the data researcher and co-ordinator at the hospice, is giving up sweet treats.

She said: “I’m going off sweets and chocolate but I’ll substitute those with plenty of fruit and water.”

Elaine McNeill, the hospice’s community development manager, is also sacrificing unhealthy snacks.

She said: “This is about getting healthier and ditching all the bad stuff that we all overindulge in over Christmas.”

Alex Mula, the hospice events and fundraising co-ordinator, who has decided to give up alcohol, added: “I’ve been meaning to do something like this for years but never actually done it.

“I don’t think it’ll be easy but it’s for a great cause.”

Amy Shearer, who works as an events co-ordinator, is giving up chocolate, biscuits and cocktails.

Amy said: “It’s going to be a hard month but I’m glad to support it.

“It’s great that we are doing it as a team, as we’ll help keep each other going.”

Anyone who is interested in taking part in ‘Aff it for Ardgowan’ should email fundraising@ardhosp.co.uk or phone 726830.

To sign up for the ‘Get Active for Ardgowan’ challenge email elaine.mcneill@ardhosp.co.uk or phone 558899.