I don't normally condone sponsorship things like this, but after losing my Dad to oesophageal cancer in 2015 I wanted to do something to not only make myself feel healthier, but (more importantly) to raise money for a brilliant small charity in my home town. 

My Dad died at 58 from a cancer caused by lifelong alcoholism. Unable to deal with his mental health problems, as so many of his generation, he turned to alcohol to self medicate and to try and forget. My relationship with him was fraught and I still feel sad, angry and helpless about it all. Although I wouldn't call myself a heavy drinker, I do want to try and give it up - for a month at least.

As well as providing free information and advice for those affected by substance misuse and addiction, WCADA also offers vital opportunities for learning new skills, improving self esteem and confidence towards achieving economic independence. It's a service I wish my dad could have used, and maybe prolonged his life or at least improved the quality of it.