MEN and women across Hampshire are being challenged to ditch the drink to raise cash for Cancer Research UK.

The charity is launching Dryathlon in September, the original fundraising campaign that invites social drinkers to take a month-long break from the booze.

Dryathletes pledge to stay dry for a month and either get sponsored or donate the money they would have spent on alcohol to the charity.

Last year, 11,600 people took part in Dryathlon across the region, raising a fantastic £999,760 to help beat cancer sooner.

Jenny Makin, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the South East, said: “After a summer of boozy holidays or ‘one too many’ at weddings, Dryathlon is the perfect opportunity for everyone to kick-start a new season, by going booze-free for September.

“We’re encouraging men and women across the South East to say ‘cheers’ to the challenge and become a ‘Dryathlete’ for Cancer Research UK.

“As well as raising vital funds to help save more lives, people might be surprised to realise the added benefits of ditching the drink for one month.

“Most people probably don’t think about the calorie content of their favourite tipple, but with a large glass of red wine containing around 180 calories, a few drinks can really start to add up.”

Supporters can register to take part in Dryathlon as individuals or set up a team by getting their friends, colleagues or relatives involved to motivate one another along the way.

For those who think the challenge sounds a bit too daunting, or who plan to raise a toast at a wedding or party, there’s a special ‘tipple tax’.

So if a Dryathlete falls off the wagon one evening, they can donate a £20 penalty.

Jenny added: “Whatever the motivation for taking part, now’s the time to sign up and banish the booze this September.

“And despite what people might think - going dry doesn’t have to be dull. We’re asking people to give up the sauce, not their social life, and there are plenty of fun ways to enjoy 30 hangover-free days.

“Money raised by our Dryathlete heroes will help fund life-saving research.”

Every day 130 people are diagnosed with cancer in the South East.

Dryathlon aims to raise money to accelerate ground-breaking research to help beat cancer sooner.

One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but thanks to research more people are surviving the disease now than ever before.

To take on Dryathlon in September, visit www.dryathlon.org.