A CATHEDRAL worker is hoping to shed pounds to raise cash for a new church in one of South Africa's poorest districts.

Former marathon runner Deborah Johnson has set herself a target of losing three stone in a bid to raise £1,000 for her sponsored slim.

Deborah, 47, who has worked as a receptionist at Blackburn Cathedral for the last nine years, has embarked on the quest to lose weight after being told by doctors her weight had reached "unhealthy levels".

She said: "I have to lose weight for health reasons and just after I had seen the doctors I was asked if I could help to raise money for a church in South Africa. It seemed like the perfect chance to get healthy and help a good cause."

Money raised will help transform St Matthew's Church, Botshabelo, from a corrugated iron shack to a beautiful brick church in Blackburn's African link diocese of the Free State.

Deborah added: "I was moved to tears when I read about this parish. Some of South Africa's poorest people live there. Only 25 per cent are employed and it's estimated that more than 70 per cent are HIV positive."

She said she has already ditched her favourite chocolates, cakes and biscuits as well as fish and chips, extra large pizzas and Indian meals out.

She said since getting married two and a half years ago she has put on around two and a half stone.

She now hopes to drop three stone in the next six months.

In six months she is returning to the Maldives with her husband Rev Steve Johnson, which is where they had their honeymoon.

Deborah, of Cornthwaite Road, Preston, added: "I don't want to look terrible on photographs when we go back and that is a big motivation."

She is now going on daily power walks from the cathedral to Ewood Park and back and is eating a strict low fat and low sugar diet."

Anyone who wants to help can sign a sponsorship form at the Cathedral office or call 01254 503 070.