Story
<p>So here we are :)</p>
<p>I am Chairman of Hartlepool Round Table this year and its a tradition that we have a Chairman's Challenge; examples in the past have been leaving someone in Holland with no money or passaport and letting them make their own way home, or chucking someone out of a perfectly good airplane strapped in a very dubious manner to another fella etc.etc.</p>
<p>So whilst none of those options were that attractive and deciding not to let the other guys decide a challenge for me I have made myself one.</p>
<p>On April 7th 2011 I will officially become Chairman, and from then until 31st March 2012 -</p>
<p>NOT ONE DROP OF ALCOHOL SHALL PASS MY LIPS!!</p>
<p>Sounds easy? For those of you who know me you will by now rolling the floor in laughter as you think it can't be done, for those of you who dont know me...... I like an "occassional" tipple or 2, I attend a variety of black tie dinners which are by their very nature a good "knees-up" and finally and by far the biggest challenge I will be part of the Round Table team that organises a BEER FESTIVAL!!</p>
<p>In 2011 Hartlepool Beer Festival will be in its 16th year - over 50 beers and ciders with a bottle bar for the lager drinkers; such is our dedication to the Beer Fest (<a href="http://www.hartlepoolbeerfestival.co.uk/">www.hartlepoolbeerfestival.co.uk</a>) that we ensure the quality of the beers by some small sample testing - purely to ensure a good quality beer you understand LOL</p>
<p>But now for the first time I am going pass on this drinking adventure....Oh well!</p>
<p>Ok, so apart from the obvious health and financial benefits to myself I am looking at raising £10,000 doing this. Yes, thats a lot of money, but from people donating to help the Hospice to my friends contributing the cost of a pint on here instead of buying me one i think it is a reachable target!</p>
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<p>Hartlepool and District Hospice <a href="http://www.hartlepoolhospice.co.uk/about-us.php">www.hartlepoolhospice.co.uk/about-us.php</a> exists to ensure people affected by life limiting illness or the death of a loved have the care, comfort and support they need. As the only adult Hospice in the Hartlepool and east Durham areas of the UK, our unique range of services make a vital difference to the lives of thousands of families each year. The Hospice’s commitment to the people we serve is outlined in our philosophy.</p>
<p>It states:</p>
<h3>Hartlepool and District Hospice believes that each individual affected by a life limiting illness is unique and has the right to the highest quality of life possible. We offer a range of specialist palliative care and support services to individuals with complex needs and their families at their time of need.</h3>
<p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</p>
<p>So please dig deep and donate now.</p>