Those who know me, know I do like a drink! So when I told my family and friends I was considering this, I was met with laughter, and complete disbelief!

I'm going to go for the whole of January without a single alcoholic beverage, in an attempt to raise a few quid for the North East Autism Society (NEAS).

This is a great cause - many of you will know that my brother Mark has been diagnosed with Severe Autism since the age of 3, and he has been an inpatient at Lanchester Road Hospital for the last two years. 

NEAS have been incredibly supportive throughout Mark's development, and continue to provide most of Mark's daytime provision. They are an excellent organisation who really do make a substantial difference to the lives of people with Autism in the North East.

I will be collecting sponsors through sponsor forms at a number of locations around Spennymoor, a list of which I will post up shortly. I'll also be setting up a JustGiving page soon to collect online donations - any support will be much appreciated!

I'll also be keeping you all updated on my daily struggles as I try to get through a hectic month, including two pub quizzes per week without so much as a sniff of beer!

Follow me on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Geldards-Dry-January-2015/