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Gary Southworth entered 2020 smashing his goal of not drinking alcohol for the duration of 2019 – in aid of raising funds for Rosemere Cancer Foundation.
The 47-year-old from Longridge had his first alcoholic beverage since December 31st 2018, pledging he wouldn’t drink a drop of alcohol until the following year. After a year of abstinence, he raised a total of £4,000 for the charity.
Read more: Rosemere funding monthly cocktails for Preston hospital cancer patients
Over the course of the year Gary has faced challenges such as moving house which is considered one of life’s most stressful events. He went on holiday and spent a weekend in York which is home to his favourite real ale pub. However, through all this he remained alcohol-free the whole time.
Gary Southworth said: “The hardest time for me was a trip to Chester Races with work colleagues in September. I had two pints of lime and soda and two coffees but it was tough.
“I have discovered I quite like alcohol-free ciders though and over the year, I lost 18Ibs. I don’t think my weight loss was necessarily cutting out alcohol but rather the cheese and biscuits I like with my wine and other evening nibbles that go with beer.
“I am more than happy for the money to go towards gaming and films for younger patients and children visiting relatives on Rosemere Cancer Centre’s in-patient Ribblesdale Ward.”
His girlfriend, Sharon, family and friends and work colleagues at Fulwood’s Royal Mail sorting office supported Gary through his 12-month goal.
Read more: Baxi Heating smashes fundraising target for Alzheimer’s Society
Rebecca Arestidou, Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s central area fundraising co-ordinator, said: “Many congratulations to Gary for sticking to his self-imposed alcohol ban. He’s raised a great sum that we will spend according to his wishes on a project to benefit younger people touched by cancer.
“Thank you to everyone who supported him. What he’s achieved is no mean feat.”
The charity works to bring world class cancer treatments and services to cancer patients throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria. They are treated at the region’s specialist treatment centre, Rosemere Cancer Centre at the Royal Preston Hospital. This includes an additonal eight local hospital cancer units in the two counties.
For more information on what the charity does, click here.
What an amazing achievement to start the year off. Let us know if you’re taking on any charitable goals this year in the comments.
