HE is a pillar of the community.

Kevin Blackburn, of Dalton, took on a huge challenge to raise money for both of Huddersfield’s hospices.

The dad-of-three was chosen as an Olympic torchbearer and last month carried the flame through the town centre of Heywood, Greater Manchester.

He wanted to lose 10% of his body weight in order to comfortably fit his specially made GB tracksuit.

Friends, family and colleagues sponsored him in the challenge, and he was delighted to have successfully lost two stones and nine pounds and raised a large amount of sponsorship money in aid of Kirkwood Hospice and The Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.

He said: “It was a great day and wearing the tracksuit, felt wonderful and it fitted well. The atmosphere was immense and it is something that I will never forget. I am delighted to have raised money for the charities.”

He has raised more than £3,000 for The Forget Me Not Trust and around £1,000 for Kirkwood Hospice.

Kevin, who originally weighed in at 24 stones, chose the hospices as his dad used the Dalton facility as an outpatient after being diagnosed with cancer.

And the Forget Me Not Trust was chosen in honour of his nephew, who died at a young age from another form of the disease.

The 45-year-old, who works in IT at Lloyds Banking Group, was chosen to be a torchbearer for his work as a Community First Responder for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

He has since been taking the torch around to inspire young children across Huddersfield and visiting schools including Moldgreen Junior and Infant School and Shelley College.

He said: “The challenge has caused my health to improved and two great charities have benefited.

“It has been great. I am continuing to fundraise with the torch, often at community events or at Brownies and Scouts, people offer donations to hold it.

“I hope to continue to support these excellent charities.”

Anyone wishing to contribute to Kevin’s worthy causes can go online at: http://www.justgiving.com/user/32096509