The British Heart Foundation is a charity close to my heart because I lost my dad suddenly to Coronary Heart Disease at the age of 21 on 15 Oct 2004. He had a congenital atrial septal defect; however, his lifestyle was not the healthiest it could have been either. Also, in 2010 my now 11-year-old nephew also needed lifesaving open heart surgery due to him being born with a congenital heart condition.  

Losing my dad at the age of 21 affected me mentally and emotionally for years thereafter. On occasions I have consumed above and beyond the recommended intake of alcohol and have often wanted to give up alcohol as I know this would improve my mental, physical and emotional health. However, with the love for drinking beer while watching live rugby or enjoying a good old après ski I have not had the willpower to successfully do this up until now. Hence, this challenge will be no mean feat and I am somewhat anxious about it.

Next year I hit 40 years old and I have always promised myself that I want to be in the best shape mentally, physically and emotionally before hitting middle age. I know health is very important for reducing the likelihood of suffering from big killer chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes etc. Thus, I see reducing my alcohol intake as a key pillar towards attaining this goal. Moreover, I know sobriety would improve every area of my personal and professional life including relationships if I can achieve this. 

To this end, I aim to raise £2500 for the British Heart Foundation by reducing my alcohol intake to 0% for 10 months from 2 Jan 2022 until 2 Oct 2022 and complete the Ride 100 bike ride in London May 22

I was going to sign up for an accountability group (OYNB) to help me achieve this goal. However, I feel putting some of my own money towards charity and setting up a just giving page would be a better way to hold me accountable to achieving this challenge. Also, if I do go out socialising then it means instead of succumbing to the usual peer pressure to have a beer, then I can now at least invite my friends to pledge £5 towards this cause as opposed to buying me a pint! If I get the cravings for a beer during the next 10 months, then I will also pledge the price of a beer into this fund myself and have a glass of water instead!

Thanks in advance for your kind support and
generosity.