Cancer Research is encouraging the public to give up booze during January
More Scots are being challenged to say goodbye to the booze in January 2015 to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
The charity is launching Dryathlon, its New Year fundraising campaign, which has rapidly grown in popularity since it launched two years ago.
Dryathletes pledge to ditch the drink for a month and either get sponsored or donate the money they would have spent on alcohol to the charity.
Nearly double the number of Scots embraced Dryathlon in January 2014 compared with the previous year, with 3,553 people pledging their support and raising £344,800 for life-saving research.
It may be the height of party season, but we’re encouraging people to commit to Dryathlon now
Supporters can register to take part in Dryathlon as individuals or set up a team and get their friends, colleagues or relatives involved to motivate each other along the way.
For those who find the one month challenge a bit too daunting, there’s the tipple tax which allows Dryathletes to donate a £20 penalty for each time they fall off the wagon.
Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for Scotland, said: “We’re hoping Dryathlon 2015 will be our best yet and we believe the men and women of Scotland will say ‘cheers’ to helping us succeed in our mission to beat cancer sooner.
“Every hour, around three people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland*. Dryathlon is a great way to raise money for life-saving research to help more men, women and children across the country survive.
“It may be the height of party season, but we’re encouraging people to commit to Dryathlon now, so they’re ready and raring to go on January 1. Every pound raised by our iron-willed Dryathletes will help fund life-saving research.”
Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s but more funds and more supporters are needed to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured says the charity.
Last year, 55,000 people took part in Dryathlon across the UK and helped raise £5.8 million to help beat cancer.
