THREE months, 19 stone and £12,000.

The Bolton Hospice Biggest Losers shed a collective total of 19 stone during the three month challenge.

The biggest loser who shed 2.6 stone (37 pounds) was Kim Charkewycz, 47 from Thorns Close, Astley Bridge.

Mrs Charkewycz took part in the challenge for her wife Susan Hailwood who has terminal cancer.

She said: "I've done things for charity before like cycling from John o' Groats to Land's End but I signed up to this because it was close to my heart.

"I like a challenge but the most difficult bit was having to think all the time about what I was going to eat and keeping motivation."

Mrs Charkewycz received a year's membership to The Last Drop Village and a makeover including vouchers from Village Boutique.

Mrs Charkewycz was also the 'loser' who raised the largest amount of money, she shared the accolade with Rachel Eckersley-Fallon. They both raised £2,400 each for the hospice.

A total of 18 participants took part in the Biggest Loser challenge and collectively raised £12,000 for the Chorley New Road-based hospice.

Maria Passarello, events manager for the hospice, said: "I’m so proud of each and every one of our participants for their hard work over the past three months. The transformation our ladies have gone through is fantastic and it’s been a pleasure to be a part of.

"Collectively, our biggest losers have raised a phenomenal £12,000, which will help the hospice continue to provide free expert care and support for local people living with terminal and life-limiting illnesses.