My New Year’s resolution? I’m giving up alcohol. For January. For Cancer Research UK.

Cancer Research UK is a charity that is very dear to my heart. My Dad, who has never smoked in his life, spent last year battling mouth cancer and was given the great news that he had the all-clear earlier this year, only to then be diagnosed with lung cancer a few weeks ago. He is currently undergoing gruelling chemotherapy but continues to show such amazing strength and positivity that I have decided I want to do something that will really put my strength and positivity to the test to show my support not only for him, but also in support and memory of all my friends and family who have been affected by cancer.

As you all know, I am no athlete. So instead I’m becoming a Dryathlete, and I am asking you to sponsor me for what I have no doubt will be a huge personal challenge.

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. Please bear in mind that the longest I have managed to abstain from alcohol in recent years has been approximately 3 days. This is going to be hard, so please sponsor me as little or as much as you can in support of this great charity. Every pound 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, I’ll chuck in an extra £15 to make up for it...although failure is not an option.

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.