Santa's helper set to slim down in Shoreham
Rodney Broom-Sopp, of the Mannings, dressed up as Santa Claus at the Cancer Research shop in East Street this Christmas – helping the shop win a best dressed window award thanks to his authentic look.
But the 61-year-old father, who has been advised by his doctor that he is borderline diabetic, has now decided to do a sponsored slim to lose weight and give back to Cancer Research. He said of his stint at the shop this year: “I enjoyed it so much. I was so nervous, but once I got into it, it was an absolute delight. It gave me such a boost.”
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Hide AdHe said the idea of a sponsored slim was mutually beneficial. “As well as helping Cancer Research, it’s a good incentive for me to get healthy again,” he said.
“Over the last few years I’ve put on a bit of weight. With this idea, I’m in the limelight – that’s a pressure I want. It will make me do it.”
Mr Broom-Sopp, who weighs 15 stone, hopes to lose two stone over a ten-week period by walking and watching his diet. He plans to walk a longer route to his workplace, Southover Foods in Albion Street, Southwick, taking a 40-minute stroll via Buckingham Park.
He has the support of his wife, Melanie, who works at the Co-Op in the High Street and often accompanies her husband on walks, and his daughter Vicky, who works at Bakhai Pharmacy in East Street.
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Hide AdVicky Rickman, manager at the Cancer Research shop, said: “It’s a great idea. At the moment, there’s a big campaign nationwide about the second biggest cause of cancer being obesity, so it ties in with that. He hopes to raise about £500, which would be wonderful.”
Sponsorship forms can be found at the East Street shop.