HOSPISCARE is launching a New Year campaign to help people stick to their resolutions in 2014.

Quit for a Bit offers people the chance to be sponsored while they take on the New Year's resolutions they have set for themselves. The charity is asking anyone who is giving up alcohol, smoking, chocolate or any other vice for up to four weeks or more to ask their friends and family to sponsor whatever they have chosen to Quit for a Bit, and raise money for the thousands of terminally ill patients in mid and east Devon, and Exeter.

Hospiscare community fundraiser Susie Healey said: 'Asking your family and friends to sponsor you will help you to train and keep you on track while helping us to raise funds to support local patients and their families.

'Whatever resolution you set for yourself on New Year's Eve, you can get involved with this fun campaign and join us to Quit for a Bit.'

The charity is also encouraging people to take on a fitness challenge by signing up for one of Hospiscare's walks or running challenges in 2014.

Hospiscare trustee Nick Agg-Manning raised more than £1,500 in 2013 when he decided to lose weight and get fit, and support Hospiscare.

Nick said: 'It was January 1, 2013, I was 61 years of age, 16 and a half stone and 5ft 9ins tall - this did not seem to me to be my passport for longevity.

'So I wondered how I could lose weight and get fitter - what could make my 'New Year's Resolution' really work?'

Nick soon realised that telling his friends and family that his New Year's resolution was going to raise money for a local charity and then revealing his target was a great way to keep him on track, as he knew that his pride would make him succeed.

He said: 'Four months later, four stone lighter and over £1,500 gained for Hospiscare - the plan worked. I have even held the weight - mainly because I have chucked out an entire wardrobe of clothes and am building up a new supply via Hospiscare shops.

'If I can do it then anyone can.

'It is a double-whammy - you do yourself so much good and you raise money for the wonderful charity Hospiscare at the same time.'

To get involved and Quit for a Bit, call Susie Healey on 01392 688063 or e-mail: [email protected]">[email protected].