Well-known Lisnaskea man, Willie McCaffrey (70), an ex-fireman, who defied the odds by setting out on a pilgrimage to Rome just three weeks after a heart operation, is returning his thanks in a practical way towards medical research by undertaking a sponsored slim that will end next April.

At present, he weighs in at 16 stone but has been advised that his proper weight is around 13-and-a-half stone.

So, this morning, he checks into the Castle Park Centre to enrol for the popular Fermanagh Active Living Club, which caters for those referred to the trainer, Aoife McCullagh, by GPs as requiring regular exercise. So, come next Wednesday, Willie will be shedding the pounds on the rowing machine, the cross trainer and the bicycle, etc.

And, all the while, his wife, Kathleen will be ensuring that he eats only healthy foods, fruits and vegetables over unhealthy fatty foods as specified by Chest Heart and Stroke, the charity that Willie has chosen to benefit.

"In fact, I started slimming a few days ago and that, along with the exercising, should bring me down to, I don't know exactly what – down to whatever I get off – come next April."

Willie would have preferred to carry on walking – he was notching up six miles a day prior to his operation – but the wintry weather has put pay to that, hence the Castle Park.

Sponsorship cards are now available in local retail outlets, and it is hoped that people will be generous to a deserving cause, 'Slim For Life'.