Kempsey resident Wendy Cooper has taken up the challenge to go dry for the month of July to raise money for cancer patients.
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Wendy's decision to give up alcohol for 31 days is a personal one, with members of her family being diagnosed and succumbing to cancer.
"My brother and sister in law both passed away from cancer and I wanted to do this for them," Wendy told the Argus.
"Vicki was diagnosed in late 2008 and passed away two days after Christmas in 2010, she was 51. And Max was diagnosed in 2009 and passed away in 2013, a week before his 63rd birthday. So it was quite close together and it did really impact the family."
Wendy's husband Pete was also diagnosed with a form of blood cancer 12 years ago and his sister in law Diane passed away at the age of 63 in 2016 after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
"Everyone knows someone who has been impacted by cancer and I really wanted to do something to help," Wendy said.
"I know it won't bring them back, but if I can help other families then I will."
Wendy first had the idea to join Dry July when she saw a Facebook post by one of her friends, Jess Norberry, who was taking the pledge.
"Jess was originally going to do 14 days but we both decided to do the whole month instead," Wendy said.
"Jess was also diagnosed with a melanoma when she was 21. We are supporting each other through the month."
Wendy is raising money for the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse. The funds will help the organisation continue to provide integrated holistic treatment and cancer care to patients.
Wendy's fundraising goal is $2500 and on day 10 she has already raised $958.70.
"If I get more than that I'll be really happy, but anything I can do to help other families that are going through the same pain we did, then that's a good thing," Wendy said.
On giving up alcohol, Wendy said it has proven to be a challenge.
"I'm used to finishing up in the garden and having a drink on some afternoons," she said. Wendy and her husband Pete own Pet's Veggie Ranch in West Kempsey.
"But although it is hard, it's harder to watch your family go through cancer. So really, it's not so bad.
"I have a lot of support from my family though, Pete has been great."
Both Wendy and Jess have fundraising pages on the Dry July website. If you would like to donate, however small the amount, their links are below.
To donate to Wendy, click here.
To support Jess in raising funds for the Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital, click here.