Wilker staff take to the scales for charity challenge

Seventeen brave workers at Wilker Auto Conversions in Clara will today (Friday, September 28) publicly step on the scales to mark the first day of a six-week charity weight loss initiative. The novel event is the brainchild of employee Billy Meehan, and aims to raise as much as it can for local charity Offaly Hospice. Billy, who is a member of Irish Power Lifting team, is joined by 16 colleagues including two ladies for the challenge that begins with a weigh-in at his workplace at 1.15pm today. The group won't be alone on their journey however, with local health and fitness professionals on board to offer advice and facilities. The group will be facilitated on two nights each week by Declan Cushen of Clara Leisure Centre, while Kieran Dolan of Dolan's Fitness Centre in Tullamore is also allowing his gym to be used by the group free of charge. Finally personal trainer Pat Lowbridge from Tullamore will oversee the group's diet, making changes that will lead to the best possible outcome for both participants and Offaly Hospice. Speaking to the Offaly Independent ahead of the weigh-in Billy Meehan said Garda Olive Drinan will oversee the event to ensure everything's above board. To add some fun to the event the team is allowing their co-workers to place bets on individual weight loss amounts. The main body of fundraising will come from sponsorship cards that will be circulated throughout the six-week challenge. Though Billy said the team are not going to name a figure they'd like to raise, "the more the better". Offaly Hospice is an organisation that means something to many of the team, and Billy said he can't wait to present the charity with some much needed funds. "They're underfunded, like every other thing in the country," Billy said. "It's a hard job to have to do; they're unsung heroes in my book."