The kind-hearted souls above had to pay a penalty for every pound they put on in weight.

It was only a penny a time, but it was a novel way for members of Marston Slimming Club in Oxford to boost the finances of an important hospital fund.

They were trusted to be honest, admit their waistline had grown and hand their weight gain penalty to Albert the Pig.

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On this occasion in 1987, club members were handing over £150, but we’re not suggesting for one moment that they had put on weight equivalent to that sum!

The collection had been boosted by a cake stall, raffles and many other fundraising events the club had organised for SSNAP (Support for the Sick, New Born and their Parents), the charity supporting the special care baby unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

In the picture, club leader Daphne Adcock, left, with the help of Albert the Pig, is seen handing over the cheque to Ilze Ewart, a SSNAP member.

This wasn’t the first time the club had handed over money to the charity.

Earlier, it had given £500 to help buy a special chair for babies with breathing problems.

Members decided to raise money for SSNAP after one of its former leaders, Julie Fisher, had a son in the special care baby unit.

SSNAP supports sick newborn, their parents and those that care for them; by providing emotional, medical, financial and informational support.

The charity is based at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

For more information visit ssnap.org.uk

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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