Hell's teeth, it is the end of the year and the missus has hijacked me into giving up booze for January. She says it is to help me stop snoring and to lose a few pounds (lbs rather than quids). I fought the suggestion at first. January is bleak enough without being able to gargle a warm ale now and then or sniff and sip a glass of France's finest. But then, in her infinite wisdom, she pointed out that a bunch of other people were also doing it (including her) in order to raise money for Cancer Research. Well there is no answer to that is there. Her argument that it is good for my healthy compounded by the fact that it could also raise much-needed funds to help the battle against cancer is a pretty strong one. We have all lost friends or family from cancer so it seems an obvious cause to support. So, here goes with my New Year’s pledge. I’m giving up alcohol. For January. For Cancer Research UK. I’m becoming what they quaintly call a "Dryathlete". All through January I’m not going to touch alcohol. Not a drop. So instead of buying me a drink, I’d like you to donate. Every pound or euro helps Cancer Research UK bring forward the day when all cancers are cured. I’ll be donating my drinking money and if I happen to slip off the wagon (which I won't because the missus will never let me hear the end of it), I’ll chuck in an extra £15/20 euros to make up for it. I guarantee you that this will be much harder than preparing for a half-marathon. Cheers Barney . The Dryathlete’s Oath I promise that I shall take part in Dryathlon™, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern it, committing myself to a month without alcohol, in the true spirit of do-gooding, for the glory of Dryathletes and the honour of Cancer Research UK.