ENGLAND football World Cup legend Sir Geoff Hurst is backing a Basingstoke hospital’s health campaign.

The 1966 hat-trick hero has lent his support to BMI The Hampshire Clinic’s campaign which is aimed at helping people to combat the UK’s five biggest preventable killer diseases.

The Big Health Pledge calls on people to make small changes that could make a big difference to their health.

It targets heart disease, stroke, cancer, lung disease and liver disease, and offers help and advice on steps to lead a healthier live.

Sir Geoff who scored three times in England’s historic 4-2 World Cup win over West Germany, said: “Making a pledge is a great way to start any new health regime as it helps people to concentrate on their individual goals.

“It is important that we all look after ourselves. Watching what we eat, cutting down on our alcohol intake, and getting that bit more exercise all keeps us fitter and healthier, but sometimes we all need a little help along the way.

“It’s great that the Big Health Pledge encourages people to make little changes to their lifestyles and sets them achievable targets which can help to make real differences to their health and well-being.

“It’s a winning idea and I’m setting myself a hat-trick of health goals by making a ‘Big Health Pledge’ of my own.”

Sir Geoff has pledged to be more health aware, to drink less alcohol, and to improve his diet.

As part of the scheme, a healthy eating cookbook has also been created to help raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

The book is on sale for £3 at the hospital, in Old Basing and in Cancer Research UK shops.

BMI The Hampshire Clinic executive director Bruce Robinson said: “The response to this health drive and fundraising event for Cancer Research has been great.

“To have the backing of such an inspiring sporting hero like Sir Geoff can only help others to take some simple but important health and wellbeing steps.

For more details, visit www.bmibighealthpledge.co.uk.