Dry July raises a cheer for cancer care THE countdown to Dry July has started, with thousands set to bin their beer and bring cheer to adults with cancer. It's all or nothing for actor Danielle Cormack, who is already practising for her first attempt and has not had a drink for a week. Ms Cormack, Beatrice Smith in the Wentworth TV series, has told her local pub not to let her in and vows not to be tempted by golden ticket guilt-free drink passes participants can buy for $25. The aim this year is to raise $4 million after $3.7 million in 2012. Most of the money goes to improving the quality of life of people with cancer. "We are not looking for a cure for cancer," says Brett Macdonald, one of the three founders. He and two friends, Phil Grove and Kenny McGilvary, came up with the idea in a pub in 2007. Initially, it was a challenge between 10 mates. The plan was to raise $3000 for the Prince of Wales Hospital after Mr Grove had a cancer scare. All he really wanted was to replace the TV in his ward. But the word spread and more than 1000 people went cold turkey to raise $250,000. Since then, Dry July has raised more than $11 million. Funding can go towards larger projects as well as smaller items like DVD players. Other investments include WiFi networks for patients and iPads to chat with family while they are out of town for treatment. One project involves a music library patients use to make playlists to listen to during therapy. Another involves the refurbishment of a hospital courtyard to create a space for reflection and peace. "The key is to be positive and take it one day at a time," says 2012's top fundraiser, Peter Durrington. The construction worker raised $20,895 and lost 15 kilograms while supporting a friend with cancer. His friend's company sponsored him and the St George supporter raised thousands of dollars when he went to the pub in a Tigers outfit. He says his wife, Donna, was a great support, but lasted only three days before she went back to her whisky and Diet Coke. The first week is the hardest, says Commonwealth Bank executive Ian Saines, the third biggest fundraiser at $17,500. Someone is always offering you a drink at business functions. He admits he used a golden ticket or two when he went on a skiing trip. Registrations for the booze-free month are open on the Dry July website www.dryjuly.com