Message in a bottle for David
Jan 23 2007 By Paul James, The Journal
Slimmer David Banks yesterday took delivery of 312 bottles of tap water - the equivalent of the 23 stones he currently weighs.
Journal columnist David is doing a sponsored slim to spearhead our Josie Grove Appeal, and bosses at Northumbrian Water, which is running a Water for Health campaign, yesterday joined the hundreds of readers who have pledged their support.
The 156 litres of tap water, bottled in Sunderland, are enough to last David until the end of March, if he drinks the recommended two litres a day.
David, inspired to lose weight after being touched by 16-year-old Josie's story, said he was already on the road to better health.
Josie, of Princes Street, Corbridge, has decided to forego further leukaemia treatment after two unsuccessful bone marrow transplants, to spend the time she has left with her family.
David, of Crookham, Northumberland, came in at 23 stone, 7lb and 13oz at an official weigh-in at Newcastle's Grainger Market last week.
He said yesterday: "The water's about as tall as me, and I'm 6ft 5in. The idea is that I drink two litres a day to keep up the diet. I would have preferred Famous Grouse or Bell's. It's a wonderful gesture by Northumbrian Water. I've already begun my first one - only 311 to go."
NW spokeswoman Cara Hall delivered the tap water yesterday and wished the 58-year-old the best of luck in his slimming efforts.
Mrs Hall said: "We bottle our tap water to help promote the importance of drinking water as part of a healthy lifestyle. It's recommended that we all drink at least eight glasses, or two litres, a day.
"If David drinks the recommended amount, the 312 bottles should take him up to the end of March.
"In David's case, he's trying to drink more water and cut out more unhealthy drinks as part of his pledge to lose weight for Josie's appeal.
"And the health benefits of just taking that simple step of drinking your eight glasses are great.
"At David's age, it helps regulate your appetite. It can help reduce things like blood disease, reduce the risk of some forms of cancer.
"When we saw the story in The Journal, and that David was looking to have a healthier lifestyle, we thought it fitted well with our Water for Health campaign. If we can do our bit to help Josie's campaign, it's a very worthy cause."
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Black-tie event at St James's
The charity which brought Josie Grove's story to the attention of the nation is holding its next fundraising night on Thursday.
Brave Hearts North-East, which honoured Josie for her courage last year, is hosting a Sportsman's Dinner at St James's Park.
The black-tie event, featuring former Leeds United footballer Norman Hunter, has already sold out.
Around 200 people will be at the stadium for the event, joining patrons from Brave Hearts and hearing about the work it does.
The charity hosts two award ceremonies every year for youngsters who have displayed exceptional character in the face of serious injury or illness.
Money for the ceremonies, and the prizes, is funded purely through charitable donations.
The Hexham-based charity was founded in the 1980s in memory of Joanne Gillespie, an 11-year-old who endured two major operations and fought back against a recurring brain tumour.
