FOR many years Observer rugby league correspondent Mike Floyd has harboured visions of a call-up by Hornets.
He has had visions of crashing through the opposition's defensive line, turning on the after-burners and racing clear in the last minute of the Grand Final to score the try which puts the Spotland Club in Super League.
Mike pictures himself as a rampaging prop forward and such has been his ambition that, for several years, he has bulked himself up and now weighs in at a hefty 19st 3lb, most of it described by him as latent muscle.
But Hornets coaches have come and gone and all have failed to spot his talent, despite his talking a good game.
Consequently, with the onset of 'old age' and the aches and pains associated with it he has now decided to 'hang up his boots' and shed some of the pounds he has worked so hard to put on. It's not been easy eating all that good food and downing the black gold that is Guinness, but someone has to do it.
So now he plans to do what many have been telling him to do for some time - keep his mouth shut. Mike plans to embark on a healthy eating regime, with smaller portions and fewer snacks, particularly cakes, biscuits and chips.
He has signed up for the gym and is committed to a daily walk and hopefully more golf to help him lose weight.
It won't be easy, but to ensure he maintains his motivation the weight loss programme will be linked to the Observer's Springhill Hospice Appeal.
Mike is looking for people to sponsor him per pound - calculation based on a weigh in on 27 August - or with a fixed sum and said: "I'm hoping that raising money for the hospice will give me all the encouragement I need. It won't be easy but I know from experience - my dad died in the hospice - the excellent work they do and the support they offer to patients and families, which is splendid.
"I would ask anyone who knows me, and perhaps many that don't, to give generously and help Mike, the Observer and the hospice reach their target."
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