Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

For those of you who know me, you'll know that New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Champagne, Prosecco and Gin Brambles are some of my favourite things IN THE WORLD. So I thought I'd give them up for a year (1 Jan 2018 - 1 Jan 2019) - along with all other alcoholic beverages - in memory of my stepson, Joel.

Joel was silently battling depression for a number of years and took his own life in June 2017. He was only 19 and was a hilarious, intelligent, kind, generous and thoughtful young man. But he was also struggling with life and couldn't see a way out. 

Since his death, I've been re-evaluating a lot of things which is why I want to set myself this challenge. I'm not a marathon runner and I'm a terrible baker, so I figured that giving something up I love would be a fitting tribute to Joe - and I know he wouldn't believe I could do it.

Losing Joe has had a profound impact on all his family and friends and the loss is often overwhelming. I'm raising money for PAPYRUS, the national charity dedicated to trying to prevent young suicide. They do incredible work and if my small contribution means that a young person's life is saved and another family don't have to suffer as we are, then it will have been worthwhile.

At the end of 2018, I will add to any donations by working out how much I've saved by not drinking, and donating that amount. I can almost hear the vineyards of NZ going into crisis planning mode!  

Thank you for your support.