I realise times are hard and there's always someone after sponsorship for something but I'm looking to really challenge myself to help raise money for a worthwhile charity.

I'm looking to raise money for the Williams Syndrome Foundation and to do this would ask for "£'s for lbs" as I aim to lose 33lbs of weight in just 3 months!

Williams Syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder and gains little publicity making it difficult for charities such as the Williams Syndrome Foundation to raise funds to allow them to support individuals with Williams Syndrome and their families, and also professionals providing care and research into the Syndrome.

The majority of you will know young Chris Williams and he is what has inspired me to raise money for this charitable organisation. Chris is very much a part of our brilliant club and also a lovely young man, and this is why I want to be able to give something back.

So what is my challenge??

Basically, I plan to lose at least 33 lbs (thats 2 stone 5 lb) in just 3 months (12 weeks) and seek sponsorship to do it.

The 'suggested' donation I would like to ask for is 33p per pound of weight lost, i.e. £9.99 (or £10) from each person who is happy to help me and the charity nominated by Ian and Sue (Christopher's parents), however this is a personal choice so please feel free to donate whatever you are comfortable with whether small or large as it all goes to a good cause.

I will be subjecting myself to a public 'initial' weigh in (or humiliation) on Thursday 30th September at The Woodman pub in Carshalton from 8pm. The 'final' weigh in will then be 12 weeks later at Beddington Cricket Club Christmas luncheon on 22nd/23rd December (date to be confirmed).

I'm planning on keeping some sort of blog (possibly on the Beddo website - details to follow) and people can also keep up to date with my progress on my Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=766865456&k=3YCT62S5ST6G6BDAWB63UTQQT6BAWXX BQTBP&oid=131587473557009).

While I realise that I'm bringing a certain amount of ridicule upon myself, please take the opportunity to support both me and the Williams Syndrome Foundation by making a donation in return for any 'banter'!!

Donating is simple and can be done either in person or via my Just Giving fundraising page at http://www.justgiving.com/SteveCowlin-33in3.

Many thanks for your support and I look forward to seeing a few of you.

Regards, Steve Cowlin on behalf of Beddington Cricket Club website: www.beddingtoncc.co.uk