Mike Payne lives in King George County. He’s spearheading a fundraiser to honor his brother Fred, who died of pancreatic cancer in February.

“I missed my brother so much that I had to so something,” Mike said in an e-mail. “My brother was called Mr. Mom by many and when he died, he left three young boys. I decided that I had to do something to help me deal with his loss.” The answer is a fundraiser to collect money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.”

Mike’s method is a bit unusual. He’s losing weight to raise money. “People are sponsoring me so much a pound that I lose, and that money goes to St. Jude (Children’s Research Hospital).

Visit Mike’s Web site, http://www.donateforfred.com, where pledges can be made and which has a link to St. Jude where people can make donations. Mike started his weight-loss mission June 1 and has lost about 12 pounds, he said. Running, exercising and eating right is keeping him on track. The pounds he sheds will be for a worthy cause, and a great tribute to his brother, Mike said.

“ It all revolves around me getting up every morning and getting my butt out there and exercise. The more I work out, the more I make for St. Jude. My goal is to lose 80 pounds.”

This good deed can offer health benefits for Mike and for children who need care through St. Jude. Wanna help?