WITH only a week to go, the local Beerless and Fearless team is well on its way to raising $2000 for adults living with cancer.
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Five members of the team are taking part in Dry July, a fundraiser that challenges participants to go booze-free for a month.
Not only has the team raised more than $1600 so far, the members have found they are feeling healthier and proud to be helping people undergoing cancer treatment.
Dr Debbie Watson from Mollymook is taking part in Dry July for the fourth year and says she has enjoyed being part of a team for the first time.
“I don't find it too hard but do enjoy that first beer when August arrives,” she said.
Dr Watson is encouraging others to support the fundraiser by donating online to help the team reach $2000.
“We all know someone or have lost someone with cancer,” she said.
“I hope people will donate to support adults with cancer and their families.
“We are supporting Wollongong Hospital which includes local support services in Milton-Ulladulla.”
She said she was taking part to “raise money for people with cancer and support services and to have a break from alcohol for a month”.
Janine and Mick Payten, from Narrawallee, are also off the grog for July.
“When I started, it was about my health but when I got into it, it was more about raising money for the cancer sufferers like my dad who is very sick from the treatment he has had,” Mrs Payten said.
“My dad has been undergoing treatment for cancer at the Milton Cancer Clinic.
“It's my first year doing Dry July but I have enjoyed the challenge, even though I have found the first two weekends hard without having a couple of drinks to unwind.
“I feel if I can go without alcohol for a month to raise money for adults with cancer, I would do it every year.”
Ingrid Kaneider works in the mining industry in Western Australia and, when she flies home, she enjoys a drink or two.
She said it had been as hard for her to stay off the grog as it was giving up smoking.
“With my lifestyle of fly in fly out working in the mines, I have found it very difficult to go without,” she revealed.
Fred Broughton is also taking part and is encouraging his friends to donate to the Beerless and Fearless team.
Dry July improves the wellbeing of adult cancer patients by providing funds to create better services and environments for them and their families.
It’s a light-hearted approach to raising funds for a serious issue and is a challenge of determination that rewards participants with a great sense of achievement and feeling of wellbeing.
Taking part in Dry July gives participants the chance to also focus on their drinking habits and the value of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.