Members of the Glasgow Hawks rugby team clink glasses at the Jellyhill cafe bar, Glasgow, and cheer on team mate Ross Angus as he sips from an over-sized tea cup to promote Cancer Research UK’s sponsored Dryathlon to banish the booze for January.

Media contact: Cancer Research UK press manager Linda Summerhayes on 0131 243 2644 / 07713 687200.


RUGBY ROSS GETS TEA AND SYMPATHY
AHEAD OF CHARITY BOOZE BAN


PLAYERS from Glasgow Hawks RFC today kicked off a charity fundraising campaign encouraging people across Scotland to banish the booze throughout January.

It’s all part of Cancer Research UK’s latest fundraising campaign, Dryathlon, which challenges those who are man enough – or woman enough – to get sponsored to drop the drink in the New Year.

Twenty-year-old Ross Angus, who has pledged to become a Dryathlete for Cancer Research UK in January, is receiving raucous support from his team mates, winger Tony Herron, 20, of Jordanhill, and scrum half Paddy Boyer, 22, of Bearsden, who have pledged to join him on the wagon next month.

The lads, who are currently preparing for their last game before Christmas this weekend against Hamilton, took time out of their busy training schedule to inspire other Scots to become Dryathletes in January.

Ross, of Woodlands, Glasgow, is a mechanical engineering student at Glasgow University when he’s not training as a flanker for the Hawks. He said: “I think Dryathlon is a great idea, and will totally help people to stick to their guns if they’ve made a New Year’s resolution to abstain from alcohol in January.

“I think for Paddy, Tony and I, the Dryathlon could even improve our prowess on the pitch when we’re gearing up for next year’s season.

“The Dryathlon is going to be a massive challenge as we really enjoy a few drinks but it’s for such a worthwhile cause so I’m determined to stay committed throughout the whole of January.

“Although my mates are right behind me and offering sympathy for the trying time ahead, I don’t think they’re necessarily going to make the path to abstinence an easy one. I’m sure they’ll be clinking pint glasses in front of my face whenever they get chance, but that’s okay, it’s all part of the challenge.”

Cancer Research UK hopes that men and women across Scotland will be inspired by the Glasgow Hawks and pledge now to give up alcohol in January and raise money for vital research into all types of cancer.

Every hour, more than three people are diagnosed with the disease across Scotland.* Yet UK survival rates for cancer have doubled over the past 40 years and Cancer Research UK scientists and researchers have been at the heart of that progress.

The charity needs more funds and more supporters if it is to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured. That’s where Dryathlon comes in.



Those with enough willpower to drop the drink will be encouraged to get sponsored by family, friends and work colleagues. Or they can simply donate the money they save by going dry during January.

And for those who don’t feel they can commit to the full 31 days there’s the opportunity to purchase a Golden Pass, for a suggested donation of £15, which allows the owner to take 24 hours off – particularly helpful for weddings, birthdays or those who just fancy a big night out.



Linda Summerhayes, Cancer Research UK spokesperson in Scotland, said: “We’re thrilled that the Glasgow Hawks are teaming up with the charity for our Dryathlon campaign.

“We’re hoping that determined men and women across the region will be inspired by them, uniting to make a stand against cancer.

“We’ll be supporting our Dryathletes the whole way, by providing lots of motivational tips via our website and social media channels. It may be tricky for some to stay on the wagon but we have faith in the public in Scotland and believe they have what it takes to succeed.”

To sign up to Dryathlon now visit cruk.org/dryathlon

This article was posted on 20-Dec-2012, 20:08 by Hugh Barrow.