Wilmington pub landlord Mark Powell has spent 2015 alcohol-free to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
In January, the 42-year-old, took on the dryathalon challenge to support the charity and to improve his health and fitness.
He has raised more than £2,000 for switching lager for soda-and-lime, and has thrown down the gauntlet for others to take part in the slightly, less challenging, dry-January.
Mark Powell is set to celebrate a year off the booze for Cancer Research UK's Dryathlon.
Participants will only have to swap their favourite tipples for soft drinks for a month, but it will mean seeing in the New Year with sparkling fruit juice.
If you're planning on taking up the challenge, here are some of Mark’s top tips.
Tell everyone you are taking part: “Once I’d told all my regulars I was doing it, I knew I had to stick with it. They tried to wind me up and catch me out by offering me drinks but I was determined to prove them wrong.”
Have a wide selection of soft drinks you like: “When I’m in the pub I tend to drink lime and sodas but at home I stock up on squash and different juices – I really like pink grapefruit juice. I try not to have too many fizzy drinks but do have the occasional diet coke.”
Keep motivated: “I’ve made a chart for the year and it’s really satisfying to tick each day off and see how far I have come. I can’t believe I’ve nearly made it.”
Think of the benefits: “It’s made a huge difference to how I feel. I’ve lost weight and my training is much better as I have more energy and am more motivated.”
Fundraise: “Knowing that I’m raising money to help beat cancer sooner and people are donating really helps me when I feel like I’d love a pint.”
