A nutritionist and hospital fundraising manager are calling for people to add something extra to their new year's resolutions – by helping a fundraising campaign.

Attaching the challenge of raising money for charity can give someone the extra motivation they need to complete their resolution, according to nutrition and fitness expert Rory Brown.

Mr Brown, of South Wootton, who runs his own fitness and nutrition business, said many people set themselves goals to lose weight in January – after indulging in Christmas puddings and sweets – but find they struggle to motivate themselves enough to complete the challenge.

He and Laurence Morlaas, fundraising executive at Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn, have joined calls for people who want to lose weight to start a sponsored slim to raise money for the hospital's Excel Appeal.

The appeal aims to raise £50,000 for specialist equipment, such as falls prevention kit, recliner chairs, and dementia software, which will all improve the hospital's care of the elderly.

Mr Brown said: 'Whenever someone comes to me and wants to lose weight I always try to find out what their motivation is because that's the key factor.

'When someone is raising money for a good cause while doing a challenge it really gives them that extra desire and discipline.

'And when you achieve both your personal goal and your fundraising aim I can see it's a massive boost to them.'

Ms Morlaas said: 'A lot of people will have indulged too much over the festive season and, come January, some of us decide to take ourselves in hand.

'This is a perfect time to start an exercise regime backed up by a weight-loss programme to shed those extra pounds.

'However, it can be difficult to stick to the plan so a sponsored slim is a great incentive to firm up our resolve.

'It helps in two ways – it motivates you and raises money for charity.

'So my message is: Join our Excel Appeal and take part in a sponsored slim to reach your goal.'

For sponsorship forms or to donate to the appeal visit www.justgiving.com/qehkl-excelappeal, or pay by cheque: payable to 'Excel Appeal' and send to Laurence Morlaàs, fundraising executive, QEH, Gayton Road, King's Lynn PE30 4ET.

Are you fundraising for the appeal? Email nicholas.carding@archant.co.uk