Updated on Dec 20th 2012 at 7:09 AM from the JustGiving API

only a week or so left to go. please sponsor now!

Updated on Nov 4th 2012 at 6:59 PM from the JustGiving API

two months left to go. sponsor sponsor sponsor. do it now.

Updated on Nov 4th 2012 at 6:59 PM from the JustGiving API

two months left to go. sponsor sponsor sponsor. do it now.

Updated on Nov 4th 2012 at 6:55 PM from the JustGiving API

only two months to go. sponsor sponsor sponsor. do it now.

Updated on Nov 4th 2012 at 6:54 PM from the JustGiving API

only two months to go. sponsor sponsor sponsor. do it now

Updated on Oct 17th 2012 at 6:53 AM from the JustGiving API

only two and a half months to go. sponsor now, you know you want to. #teetotalchallenge

Updated on Jul 21st 2012 at 11:24 AM from the JustGiving API

7 months without alcohol.

Updated on Jul 16th 2012 at 2:02 PM from the JustGiving API

sponsor, sponsor, sponsor...

Updated on Jun 16th 2012 at 9:38 AM from the JustGiving API

6 months into my challenge. please give what you can, I really appreciate it

So I've decided that it's about time I did something for charity myself, instead of watching other people doing it and thinking 'I should do something like that'.

And then I tried to think of things I could do to raise money that were a little bit different, but which would be a challenge and worthwhile.

I have noticed, over the last few years, I am starting to become known for knocking back glasses of wine and being the one to get a bit tipsy at family gatherings and other social events. On top of that, it's not doing my poor liver any good; so in December 2011, I made the choice to give up drinking for the year of 2012.

So, what better way to raise money, than to be designated driver (and I will be charging for any lifts home with the proceeds going to Combat Stress); to ask that any money that would usually be spent on buying me a drink are added to the charity bucket and for me to stick to soft drinks for the whole year! Any sponsorship would be gratefully received - anyone who knows me knows that this is going to be a real strugge and the more money I raise, the easier it will be.

Please support this worthwhile cause; the charity Combat Stress is the UK's leading military charity specialising in the care of Veterans' mental health.

They look after men and women who are suffering from a psychological condition related to their Service career. This might be depression, anxiety, a phobia or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Their services are free of charge.

Last year they received over 1,400 new referrals. They have a current caseload of more than 4,600 individuals – including 211 Afghanistan and 583 Iraq Veterans.

Combat Stress represents an issue that is very close to my heart and that doesnt get enough press as far as I am concerned. There are so many veterans and soldiers who have seen some really awful things at war and who struggle daily with flashbacks and terrible memories which can effect not only their daily lives but their families and friends too. It can lead them to drink and drugs and to become completely isolated. It often isnt recognised quickly enough or the sufferers are reluctant to seek help. 

Please therefore, give anything you can to help and to keep me going through what is going to be a real challenge for me!!

And for those of you who want to know a little more about Combat Stress and its effects; http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2081638/Lance-Sergeant-Dan-Collins-Afghanistan-hero-bear-horrors-war-longer.html