Many of us decide a new year is the perfect time to start losing weight but 64-year old Malcolm Duffey has added a personal challenge to his resolution.

Mr Duffey, of Pockthorpe, hopes to raise money to support the ExCel Appeal, launched by the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn and backed by the EDP, by going on a four-month sponsored slim.

The semi-retired businessman, who helped set up Belton Duffey Estate Agents in King's Lynn, is aiming to shed two stone by the end of April, as well as raising funds for the appeal.

The ExCel 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.

'I got the idea to raise money when I read about the specialist chairs the hospital needs,' Mr Duffey said.

'Although we might not like to think about it, one day it could be you or me who needs that equipment, and I think the public has to help our National Health Service as much as it can in these times.'

Mr Duffey, who currently weighs around 13 stone, has begun avoiding foods heavy with carbohydrates and calories, as well as alcohol and chocolate.

The challenge won't be easy for the self-confessed chocolate lover, but he believes the fundraising element will keep his motivation going.

'Some people start a diet and then give up three or four weeks later,' he said. 'But if I was to quit I wouldn't just let myself down, I'd be letting down the charity aspect as well.

'The first two weeks will be awful because I expect to get withdrawal symptoms from what I'm giving up.'

He hopes to raise up to £1,000 towards the appeal.

To sponsor Mr Duffey email malcolmduffey652@btinternet.com

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