| Wednesday, 24 June 2009 14:35 | |
| Australians give up the booze for charity |
|  Boozey AussiesAustralians have been urged to give up booze for a month to raise money for cancer, in an unusual stunt that may do as much for participants' livers as it does for hospital wards.
In a country known for its love of a tipple, a self-described group of heavy drinkers has come up with the concept of "Dry July," challenging people to seek sponsorship to abstain for a month.
Six hospitals around Australia will receive money from the initiative, with funds going towards items to improve the day-to-day lives of cancer patients.
There is even an escape clause for those unable to resist the demon drink for an entire month, a one-day pass costing at least 25 Australian dollars (20 US) which allows them to partake without breaching their sponsorship obligations.
Sydney-based web designer Phil Grove dreamed up the idea after a cancer scare in 2007.
His tumour did not prove to be life-threatening but it started him thinking about how he could make life easier for cancer patients.
"I decided after I came out of surgery that I should try and do something to help the people that have to spend the majority of their time in hospital," he said.
"Just something that will make their everyday lives a little easier to cope with."
With two friends, Brett McDonald and Kenny McGilvary, Grove staged a dry run of Dry July last year for the Price of Wales Hospital in Sydney, raising more than 250,000 dollars.
They have taken the idea nationwide this year, aiming to break the million-dollar mark.
"It's way beyond anything we ever thought it would be," he said.
"To have a national charity running at six hospitals around the country is great for the people jumping on board."
Prince of Wales Hospital chief executive Leanne Zalapa said Dry July was a fun way for people to improve their health while also helping those in need. -AFP
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