A step in the right direction for David
Feb 8 2007 By Paul James, The Journal
Super-size slimmer David Banks yesterday put his best foot forward for the latest fundraising effort for The Journal's Josie Grove appeal.
Twenty-three stone David joined ramblers in Northumberland for a healthy walk around one of the region's most historic towns as part of his weight-loss plan.
The Journal's 58-year-old columnist, of Crookham, Northumberland, is leading our Josie Grove appeal after reading how the 16-year-old decided to forego further leukaemia treatment after two unsuccessful bone marrow transplants, to spend the time she has left with her family.
And in the latest step of his bid to get into better health, David took to the streets yesterday with Berwick's Walking to Health Group. He was persuaded by friends of wife Gemma, a former PE teacher, to join the group's weekly one-and-a-half hour lunchtime walk.
Setting off from the River Tweed in Berwick town centre, they walked along the town ramparts to the north pier and lighthouse, then back into the town.
After the three-mile stroll David said: "I've got my feet up - they're hurting now, unaccustomed as I am to exercise.
"It was a gentle walk, and after the sleet the sun came out and the snow cleared. It was a beautiful day in the end and it gave me a beautiful new view of Berwick because I'd never been out to the north pier before."
David's slimming drive began after he was moved to tears after reading on December 6 how Josie, 16, of Princes Street, Corbridge, chose to give up leukaemia treatment.
In the following day's Journal he read of the appalling health record we have in the North-East and decided to take action.
Journal readers have responded to our appeal in their droves, raising £8,228 so far in sponsorship. David is preparing to send another £174 to The Journal - £114 of which was raised at a Burns Night in Crookham and three separate £20 donations he has received.
And his mission is continuing to gather pace, with fundraising talks planned on his career as a national newspaper editor and the Josie appeal to WI groups in north Northumberland and to the Lowick Heritage Group.
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Pounds lost and raised
You can follow David Banks' attempts to lose weight for the Josie Grove Leukaemia Found by reading his regular blog on www.journallive.co.uk/josiegrovefund.
Recent entries bill David's forthcoming appearances at Lowick Village Hall and Ancroft Memorial Hall, in Northumberland, as well as money raised for the appeal at the Crookham Burns evening.
On a recent posting, David said: "The customers of my local shop at Cornhill on Tweed have been marvellous: they've already filled one sponsorship sheet with pledges and are starting on sheet number two. Josie and I thank them and everybody who has dipped a hand in their pockets. You've made a very bright and brave young woman very happy."
