Councillors put their weight behind appeal

York Council leader James Alexander and his Labour colleague Dafydd Williams have taken up the challenge at the start of the New Year to try to raise money for the city’s special care baby unit.

Councillor Alexander said: “I’ve always been a bit of a fitness freak – but joking aside, this is for a great cause and we’ll both improve our health in the process.

“Politicians keep talking about cuts and tightening our belts, but we did not think we would be taking this so literally. The competition is on.”

The pair will be trying to keep losing the pounds until July when they will be weighed to see who has lost the largest proportion of their bodyweight.

Coun Williams said: “My wife said it would be good if I could lose weight by using my strength in competition.

“I thought ‘who is the most competitive person I know?’ And the answer came easily, James Alexander.

“This is all a bit of fun for a good cause. The special care baby unit is important to both our families.”

Donations can be made using the website www.justgiving.com/politicalheavyweights.

Money can also be donated by texting the code FLAB97 followed by the amount to 70070.