The task is simple- abstain from alcohol for a month.
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This is what Hayley Bottrell will do as she partakes in Dry July; a fundraising effort for cancer support organisations.
Hayley’s chosen organisation is Manning Hospital’s oncology unit.
The unit holds great significance to Hayley after assistance was provided to a close family member who battled cancer.
“They’re fantastic, always helpful, friendly and all have a sense of humour which is really important,” Hayley said in reference to the unit’s staff.
It was this care that prompted Hayley to organise a fundraiser to give back to the unit.
Coined Hayley’s Dream Team, she formed a seven person group to be sponsored while taking on the Dry July challenge.
In just three weeks, they have already accumulated $1350.
“I put the word out to businesses and friends in Taree and Old Bar,” Hayley said.
“They’ve been really supportive.”
Hayley added that previous Dry July campaigns had helped purchase cooling caps for the oncology unit.
Cooling caps are used during chemotherapy to try prevent or reduce hair loss.
“Hopefully this money can help purchase more of those or anything else they need,” Hayley said.
Hayley thanked employers LJ Hooker Old Bar Beach and the Old Bar Barbarians Gladiators team for their support.
Donations to Hayley’s cause can be made at www.dryjuly.com/users/hayley-bottrell.
What is Dry July?
All funds raised through the campaign go towards cancer support organisations across Australia.
The concept began in 2008 when three friends wanted to take a break from alcohol.
They decided to abstain for the month of July and coined it ‘Dry July’.
The trio also wanted to raise funds for a family member who was affected by cancer so they asked friends and family to sponsor their venture.
Hoping to raise $3000 to buy a television for their local hospital’s waiting room, they ended up with $250,000.
In the last decade, Dry July has inspired more than 130,000 people to participate.
About 30 million has been raised through these projects at more than 75 cancer organisations across Australia.
Follow other journeys on social media by searching the hashtag #DryJuly.