The official weigh-in
Jan 16 2007 By Hayley Beattie, The Journal
The team at Newcastle's Grainger Market came to the rescue of Journal columnist David Banks yesterday when they offered him use of their historic weigh house.
Having read about David's unfortunate first attempt at an official weigh-in at Newcastle Racecourse - where the scales, used by jockeys, only go as high as 17 stone - the staff at the historic market stepped in to help.
Yesterday 58-year-old David, of Crookham, Northumberland, queued up alongside other eager slimmers to take his turn on the scales once used to weigh animal carcasses and bags of oats.
As he stepped on to the famous green scales, used by more than 450 people a day, there was a ripple of applause from bystanders.
The little red ticket, given to everyone who uses them, recorded his weight at 23st, 7lb and 13oz (or just over 150kg) - only slightly more than he thought when he weighed himself on his bathroom scales. However, he pointed out he was fully clothed yesterday.
The 6ft 5in former editor of The Mirror has already lost a stone in the four weeks he has been slimming to lose weight for The Josie Grove Leukaemia Fund. He said yesterday he is still very positive he will hit his target of losing six stones.
David said: "I'm going to take this as the official weigh-in, seeing as last week's attempt didn't really work. It was slightly more than when I weighed myself at home but normally I do it when I'm naked, if that's not too awful a thought for readers."
He added: "The weigh house is a really interesting place with lots of history. It has been there since the market opened in 1834 and now all these people come to use it to weigh themselves.
"Quite a few people recognised me and there was little ripple of applause as I stood on the scales, which was really nice."
Newcastle's City Council's team manager for markets and retail, Paula Bashforth, said: "We really felt sorry for David when we read about his failed attempt at the racecourse, so we wanted to help.
"There are lots of stands in the Grainger Market which sell lovely healthy, fresh produce which links in with what David is trying to do. I think the support he is getting is fantastic and he is welcome back at the weigh house any time to keep a check on how he is doing."
---------------------------------------------------------
How you can do your bit
The Journal is urging readers to get behind our bid to raise money for Josie's fund.
There are two ways you can do your bit to help:
Anyone wishing to sponsor our columnist David Banks in his effort to shed the pounds in aid of the Josie Grove Leukaemia Fund should fill in the form here and return it to The Journal, saying how much money you are pledging.
OR:
Let us know what fitness-related fundraising method you have come up with yourself to raise cash for The Josie Grove Leukaemia Fund.
We are urging our readers to come up with fundraising ideas - it could be a sponsored swim, a sponsored football match or even a sponsored bungee jump.
Please contact The Journal newsdesk with information of any events - solo or team - you have arranged to help boost the fund.
Sponsorship forms are available by email or post from The Journal.
Anyone wishing to get involved should contact the newsdesk on (0191) 201-6344 or email jnl.newdesk@ncjmedia.co.uk
You may send cheques payable to The Dove Trust (registered charity 287401) - Josie Grove Leukaemia Fund written on the back - to The Journal, PO Box 1146, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE99 1ET.
