From 1st January, I have pledged to stop drinking for 6 months, until the morning of 1st July. If I achieve my fundraising target of £650 in this time, I will match the donation personally with the money I have saved from not drinking.

I am doing this for two reasons. First, as a personal goal, as no one seems to believe I can actually do it. I am the first to admit I like to go out and enjoy a session, to have fun and relish a martini or six. Neither do I think of the consequences, which brings me onto my second point.

UK liver-related mortality has, according to the British Liver Trust, grown 100% since 1991, and is the only form of mortality to be growing year on year. At the last record, liver-related mortality grew by 4.5%, taking 16k lives [2008]. The link between the rise and alcohol consumption is linear: alcohol-related liver mortality has grown by 45% within 6 years.

The British Liver Trust provide a wide range of support for those affected- whether through information, support groups or helplines, or lobbying industry and government. £650 can run their support line for two days, which is why I am making this pledge.

And I know what you are thinking: "But how are you going to prove you are actually doing it?" It is a good point, so as a pledge I promise to breathalyze myself every day during this time, which I will upload onto my facebook page, which will be time stamped.

So please dig deep and donate now, for a great cause.