I'm doing the January dryathlon for two reasons...

Firstly, I am probably one of the many young people who drinks too much...not enough for it to be a problem, but enough to be unhealthy. I would like to have a whole month of absolutely no alcohol to see how much better my body feels.

Secondly, I have seen the effects that alcohol can have on families and children...first hand through nursing and also from friend's and family's experiences. It is terrible in so many ways.

Any charity that offers help and support for children that live day-to-day with one or two alcohol dependent parents has got to be a good thing.

The latest research suggest that almost one million children in Britain are today living with an alcoholic parent, but campaigners say the true number is far higher, obscured behind the front doors of a society where drinking is so much the norm (The Observer online, 2010).

So please, if any of my wonderful friends or family could spare a few pounds to see me go booze free for the whole of January, then please donate to this amazing charity (I will have a number of spies to ensure I don't have a cheeky half pint, and I will also swear on my small sausage dog's life at the end of the month...not a drop will pass my lips)

Much love xxx