EVERY year, heart and circulatory disease kills around 14,000 in Yorkshire and the Humber and currently, around 616,000 people in the region are living with its burden.

The need to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat these terrible conditions is urgent.

That’s why I’m calling on everyone in Yorkshire and the Humber to join me in signing up to the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) Dechox campaign to help fund life saving research.

You could be on a mission to show your charitable side or get that little bit healthier for 2017.

Or you could be a self-confessed chocoholic who’s looking to put your willpower to the test.

Whatever your motivation, join me and go chocolate-free this March - you will be helping make a difference to millions across the UK.

It won’t be easy, but every pound you raise by ditching chocolate will be crucial in helping fund the cutting-edge breakthroughs we need to end the devastation caused by heart disease.

Last year, over 18,000 Dechoxers took part, raising an incredible £860,000 for the BHF.

This year we’re determined to raise even more.

So stand up and say no to chocolate this March and join Dechox.

Sign up today at www.bhf.org.uk/dechox

Jake Quickenden, X-Factor and I’m a Celebrity star