"I NEVER make threats (he said threateningly) and don't believe in blackmail. But when you're talking about something as important as raising money for Willen Hospice, I'll make an exception.

Help me raise £250.00 for losing two stones (12.7 kilograms) by November 29 or I'll show you this picture without the squares and my hideous gut will be revealed to the world from December 1.

And you wouldn't want that would you?

I've just jumped on the scales (September 10) and the results don't make edifying reading: 17st 2lbs.

So I'm going to lose two stones by November 29 (my 40th birthday) and I'm going to do it for Willen Hospice with your help hopefully."

MARK STILLMAN (reporter/columnist, MK News)