DIETING is never pleasant, but shedding the pounds for one slimmer is adding pounds to a good cause.In just a month, Phil Upton has lost 25lbs, but sponsorship of his efforts by friends and relatives has turned that loss into a £450-plus profit for the Evening Star-backed Vicky Hall Memorial Fund.

By Richard Cornwell

DIETING is never pleasant, but shedding the pounds for one slimmer is adding pounds to a good cause.

In just a month, Phil Upton has lost 25lbs, but sponsorship of his efforts by friends and relatives has turned that loss into a £450-plus profit for the Evening Star-backed Vicky Hall Memorial Fund.

But Phil, 23-stone at the initial weigh-in and now nearly two-stone lighter, is not enjoying his diet – though he says it is absolutely necessary for his health.

"It's horrible – really horrible. I am having to change the way I eat and the things I eat, and make sure I do regular exercise," said the 43-year-old, from Sandy Close, Trimley St Martin.

"I am only doing light exercise – walking – at the moment because I am too heavy to do gym work.

"I have made a good start though and it is good to see some weight coming off, but I am only one-month in and there is a long way to go. I am determined to keep it going – I have to and I will do."

Phil, who is being supported by his wife Helen and their three sons Jack, Stuart and Karl, has been attending Trimley Weight Watchers group for regular weigh-ins and advice with his diet.

He is a fervent Ipswich Town fan and is a home and away season ticket holder, and is the man the fans sing "Who ate all the pies?" to at matches.

But it's not that which has spurred him to lose weight. He wants to get down to "a reasonable weight" so he can feel comfortable and make it up the stairs without wheezing and feeling out of breath.

Phil is manager of the Trimley Red Devils' Under 13s team – his son Jack plays for the Under 8s, Stuart for the Under 13s and Karl has played for the Under 14s – and has decided money raised by his diet will go to the Vicky Hall Memorial Fund.

The appeal aims to build a new sports pavilion for the village playing field.

The pavilion, which will bear the name of murdered schoolgirl Vicky and be a lasting memorial to her, will be used by the Red Devils, cricketers and community groups.

He is also hoping to do a sponsored walk from Trimley to Portman Road, as part of his weight-loss programme.

People wanting to sponsor Phil on his walk can contact him on 0797 695 2288.

n If you are holding a fundraising event or sponsored activities for the appeal, let us know – and we will help you in any way we can. Please contact Richard Cornwell, Felixstowe Newsdesk on 01394 284109.