Mayor Neil Phillips has found a great way to stick to his New Year’s Resolution – he has made it a public fundraising campaign.
The Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth has decided to give up smoking and raise money for the Mary Ann Evans Hospice at the same time.
He is also encouraging other residents in the borough to be sponsored to give something up for 2012 in aid of the hospice, which is his chosen charity for the year.
He added: “Giving up smoking for the Mary Ann Evans Hospice is an ideal opportunity for me to do something that I have wanted to do for a while.
“My fiancé Caroline is behind me all the way and I know how important fundraising for the Mary Ann Evans Hospice is.”
Hospice fundraising manager Janet Kavanagh said: “The New Year is often a time to commit to losing weight, getting fit, giving up smoking or anything that would enhance your life.
“I think the Give It Up For The Mayor’s Appeal is a great way to raise funds and achieve our own personal challenges.
“Along with the Mayor giving up smoking, I am aiming to lose a few festive pounds too.”
The Mayor held a public meeting at the hospice at the beginning of January to talk to any members of the public wanting to register to join the Give It Up campaign.
The Mary Ann Evans Hospice provides beds, day care and support to patients free of charge and relies on donations and fundraising to provide this service.