Going dry for a close cause

Going a few days without a drink in the Pilbara can be difficult, some may say going a month is near impossible, but one Hedland local will take on the challenge, going without a bush chook to raise awareness and money for cancer research.

Hedland born and bred BHP worker Christine Picks will take part in the 12th annual Dry July this year, hoping to raise money for people affected by cancer.

Like many, Ms Picks has been personally affected by cancer with her father passing away when she was young due to skin cancer, fuelling her desire to make a difference and raise money for the cause.

“It’s for a really good cause,” she said.

“There are a few mates doing it with me as well so it’s a chance to challenge ourselves while also helping out people who are struggling.

“I think it’s going to be a challenge, I’m known for being able to down a few bush chooks so it’s not going to be easy, but I think I’ll punch through.

“It’s probably a bit harder to do a Dry July up here than anywhere else — Hedland winter is still pretty warm and it’s when we all like to go out bush and get on it, so I’ll have to find something else to sip on when we are.

“It’s probably good for me to have a break though.”

Ms Picks has raised more than $2000 so far, and said she was hoping to see the number grow exponentially once she starts the challenge.

Dry July is a national fundraiser that challenges Australians to go alcohol-free for the month of July while raising funds for people affected by cancer.

With alcohol causing about 3200 cancers each year in Australia, Dry July was launched as a way to improve health and wellbeing while raising funds for a worthy cause.

Run by the Dry July Foundation, funds raised through the campaign go towards cancer support organisations across Australia, to help improve patient comfort, care and wellbeing.

The cause behind the month dates back to the first Dry July in 2008.

Three mates Brett, Kenny and Phil, wanted to take a break from alcohol, so decided to abstain for the month of July, coining it their “Dry July”.

They also wanted to raise money for a cause very close to their hearts, so they asked friends and family to sponsor them.

Hoping to raise $3,000 to buy a TV for their local cancer centre's waiting room, the campaign was a huge success.

The first Dry July ended up raising $250,000, and Dry July was well and truly born.

Since 2008, Dry July Foundation has continued to support cancer service organisations and has raised over $49 million for more than 80 organisation across Australia.