DRY JULY SPECIAL CHALLENGE
There might be record rainfalls in Cobram this winter, but for one local July has been a dry month.
Jacquie Ryan of Cobram is 20 days into Dry July, where she has chosen to give up alcohol for the month to raise funds for the Dry July Foundation.
By giving up alcohol for the month and raising funds, Dry July participants help to ease the burden, reduce stress and add a bit of comfort for those affected by cancer.
Mrs Ryan, who had previously attempted to stay away from alcohol in a February Fast, said that this was a way to challenge herself.
‘‘I enjoy a drink and I wanted to see if this was something that I could do,’’ Mrs Ryan said.
‘‘Being around the Cobram Football Club so much, and also having a few birthday parties in there too has been difficult, but it is nowhere near as tough as I thought it would be.’’
What drew her to the Dry July Foundation was it seemed to have a different angle when it came to helping people who were suffering from cancer.
‘‘A lot of the charities focus on the actual treatment of cancer, which is obviously great.
‘‘But I saw that Dry July focused more on the mental wellbeing of that person, who is going through it all.
‘‘I don’t know why, but it really spoke to me.’’
Mrs Ryan has set herself the goal of raising $1000 from her family and friends for July, and was halfway to reaching it.
‘‘I would say if anyone was considering taking on the challenge, to absolutely give it a go,’’ she said.
‘‘It makes you realise you don’t necessarily have to drink to have a great time.
‘‘I have certainly had my fair share of water, soft drink, soda water— basically anything that doesn’t contain alcohol.’’