A caring daughter whose mum beat cancer has given up booze for a month to raise cash for a cancer charity.
Danielle Ward assistant manager at mobile phone shop 3 Store, at Eagles Meadow shopping centre, Wrexham, is taking part in the Dryathalon, where people give up alcohol for January in aid of Cancer Research UK.
It’s a cause close to the heart of the 25-year-old after her mum Steph beat skin cancer over a decade ago.
Danielle said: “This is a really personal cause for me. My mum was able to get through it because people have put money into researching.
“My mum was really down when she had cancer because she couldn’t work, she couldn’t go out.
“She’s not normally that type of person. She’s always outgoing and wanting to do things.
“We just supported her and helped her out, and just got through it. The recovered within six months so it was quite quick. The doctors were able to catch it early.
“If taking part in the Dryathalon helps people for treatment and care in the future then it’s a good thing. It’s not much to give up alcohol for a month if it helps people.
Danielle is being joined on the Dryathalon by work colleague Gawain Rogers.
The 23-year-old sales assistant originally said he would take part in the Dryathalon as a joke.
He said: “It was a joke between me and my mates saying I wouldn’t drink throughout January, and then I went and took it a step further and took it seriously.
“I’ll probably be going on a big night out to celebrate when I’ve finished. I’ve got another mate’s birthday on the 1st of February.”
“It’s been very difficult. I had a friend’s birthday the other night. I’ll be honest with you, It was very hard not drinking because everyone else was drinking.
“I was on the non-alcoholic beer and it was disgusting – absolutely horrible. My question is, why would someone make non-alcoholic beer. It’s just pointless to be honest. And it doesn’t taste good. It’s just not right. The only reason I drank it was because it made me look like I was actually having a drink. I was trying a placebo affect.
According to Gawain there have been good aspects to giving up alcohol.
He said: “I can wake up in the morning and I don’t get a hangover. Say I’d usually go out on a Saturday night and then on the Sunday I’d have a hangover. I’ve got more energy and I’ve been going to the gym as well so it’s really good. I can make the most of the days.
“As soon as this month is done I’ll be happy, and then I’ll have raised money for a worthwhile cause.”
Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley thinks it’s a great idea.
He said: “I am very impressed by their determination and will power but they are raising money for a very good cause. I really wish them well with their fund-raising.”
You can donate at www.justgiving.com/danieller-ward-dryathlete or www.justgiving.com/gawain-rogers-dryathlete
