MOST people normal collect extra pounds for St Rocco’s hospice.

But Michael Hughes is instead losing them to help raise money for the charity after taking on a slimming challenge.

The 34-year-old from Newton-le-Willows is taking part in the Wish FM Celebrity Slim Radio Challenge to help shed the pounds and raise money for the hospice at the same time as well as the Forces Children’s Trust.

He said: “I think the Hospice does a brilliant job, and the Forces Children’s Trust is close to my heart, because I have a son in the armed forces.”

Weighing in at 22 stone before he started the challenge the results have been quick for Michael, with him losing three stone in his first three weeks of the eight week competition.

Michael, a father of three, has been motivated by his family to lose the weight.

“I wasn’t bothered by my appearance, I’m not that sort of person. It was my health that mattered, because that affects other people. The main thing in my life at the moment is the drive to get fit for my family. I don’t want my children to be affected by my health problems – I don’t want to be a burden. And my kids and my wife have been fantastic, they’ve spurred me on.”

Money is also going to the NSPCC with every pound he loses, adding even more reason for him to shift that excess weight.