Men and women across Bath are being challenged to ditch the drink to raise money for Cancer Research UK, as part of the Dryathlon campaign this September.
The charity is launching Dryathlon in September, the original fundraising campaign that invites social drinkers to take a month-long break from alcohol.
Dryathletes pledge to stay dry for a month and either get sponsored or donate the money they would have spent on alcohol to the charity.
Last year, 6,818 people took part in Dryathlon across the South West, raising a fantastic £451,383 to help beat cancer sooner.
Alison Birkett, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the South West, said: “After a summer of boozy holidays or ‘one too many’ at weddings, Dryathlon is the perfect opportunity for everyone to kick-start a new season, by going booze-free for September.
“We’re encouraging men and women to say ‘cheers’ to the challenge and become a ‘Dryathlete’ for Cancer Research UK.
“As well as raising vital funds to help save more lives, people might be surprised to realise the added benefits of ditching the drink for one month.
“Most people probably don’t think about the calorie content of their favourite tipple, but with a large glass of red wine containing around 180 calories, a few drinks can really start to add up.
“So by steering clear of beer and waving goodbye to wine, Dryathletes could look forward to feeling better, slimmer and more energised by taking on the one month challenge.
“And the good news is, the benefits don’t have to stop when Dryathlon does – by drinking less over time people can make a real difference to their long term health.”
Supporters can register to take part in Dryathlon as individuals or set up a team by getting their friends, colleagues or relatives involved to motivate one another along the way.
For those who think the challenge sounds a bit too daunting, or who plan to raise a toast at a wedding or party, there’s a special ‘tipple tax’. So if a Dryathlete falls off the wagon one evening, they can donate a £20 penalty.
Alison added: “Whatever the motivation for taking part, now’s the time to sign up and banish the booze this September.
“And despite what people might think – going dry doesn’t have to be dull. We’re asking people to give up the sauce, not their social life, and there are plenty of fun ways to enjoy 30 hangover-free days.
“Money raised by our Dryathlete heroes will help fund life-saving research.”
Every hour, around three people are diagnosed with cancer in the South West. Dryathlon aims to raise money to accelerate ground-breaking research to help beat cancer sooner.
One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but thanks to research more people are surviving the disease now than ever before.
To take on Dryathlon in September, visit www.dryathlon.org.
