AS THE countdown to the festive party season starts, a Tottington mum is urging people to ‘put the drinks on ice’ in January to help raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Mum-of-two Jane Bullock is kicking off the countdown to Cancer Research UK’s Dryathlon this January.

Dryathlon is Cancer Research UK’s popular fundraising campaign which invites social drinkers to take a month-long break from alcohol.

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

Supporters can register to take part in Dryathlon as individuals or set up a team and get their friends, colleagues or relatives involved to motivate each other along the way.

And for those who think the one month challenge sounds a bit too daunting, there’s the ‘tipple tax’ – if a Dryathlete falls off the wagon they can donate a £20 penalty to Cancer Research UK.

Jane, aged 42, of Moorside Road, is Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in the North West.

She said: “Despite what people might think – going dry doesn’t need to be dull. We’re challenging people to embrace a month with one less sin by giving up the sauce, not their social life. There are still plenty of fun ways to enjoy 31 hangover-free days.”

Every year, around 39,400 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West. Dryathlon aims to raise money to accelerate ground-breaking research to help more people survive and ensure more families stay together.

Jane added: “It may be the height of the party season, but we’re urging people to sign up now so they’re ready and raring to go on January 1.

“So that’s why I’m calling on men and women across the North West to put down their pints, wave goodbye to their wine and take on Dryathlon for one month to help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”

To sign up and take on Dryathlon, visit www.dryathlon.org