Pounds to become euro in weighty charity challenge

NINE big-hearted Waterford men, who have been dieting for almost five weeks, are hoping their weight loss will net thousands of euro for the South East Cancer Foundation.

The ordeal for Cha’s Angels ends today.

In the first two weeks of the diet alone, the nine men shed a collective 88 pounds. As the final few days of the regime drew to a close over the weekend, group spokesman Cha O’Neill revealed the nine lads have, between them, lost a whopping 108 pounds or more than 7½ stone.

They hope their efforts will persuade more people to dig deep and support sponsorship cards which have been distributed to clubs and pubs throughout the region.

When the rest of the nation was tucking into Easter eggs last week, Cha’s Angels, as the group has collectively become known, had to make do with boiled eggs.

“We’re determined to make one final burst over the next week,” said Mr O’Neill, a city councillor and former mayor of Waterford.

“We’ve survived Cheltenham, Patrick’s Day and Easter and so far, so good. Our drive began on February 25 and brings us up to March 31 when the diet ends after five weeks. It’s not been easy and it is getting tougher if anything as we approach the Holy Grail of March 31.

“I would say we might break out that night but will be back to our healthy ways again soon after.

“Breakfast for the past few weeks has been Flahavan’s oatmeal porridge made with water. Snacks include apples and pears. I’ve become addicted to those Special K bars.

“I’ve had things like chicken and veg for lunch — and I hate lunch. We’ve only been having a light tea in the evening,” said Cha.

Throughout the challenge, the lads have been banned from pubs and take-aways.

The odd pint and treats from the chippie have been missed most.

Cha is joined on the slimathon by Mattie and Conor O’Shea and Tony Ryan of O’Shea Transport; well-known auctioneer Rody Keigery; Stephen Walshe of Walshe Print; bank manager Eamonn Rice; businessman Eddie Power and accountant Tom Greene.

The lads signed up with Unislim and have been under the watchful eye of Mary Smith at the St John of Gods Centre.

They weigh in every Monday night and their progress is also being mapped by expert nutritionist Aoife Hearne of Nutrition Solutions.

Each volunteer has sponsorship cards and support for their drive has been phenomenal.

The South East Cancer Foundation is an independent charity set up in 1999 to provide counselling, reflexology, massage, art therapy, and support to cancer patients and their families.