Tiffany Williams, from Blacon, is challenging men and women to take on Dryathlon and ditch the drink this September to help raise vital funds.

Dryathlon is the original fundraising campaign that invites social drinkers to take a month-long break from alcohol.

After a summer of boozy holidays and ‘one too many’ at weddings, Dryathlon is a great opportunity for everyone to kick-start a new season, by going booze-free for September.

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

Tiffany knows all too well how important research carried out by Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists is to people like her.

The 20-year-old was diagnosed with Hogdkin lymphoma in 2014. She had developed lumps on her neck which she assumed were swollen glands and not a serious health issue.

Tiffany, who has a younger sister and an older brother, underwent four weeks of fertility treatment to ensure she can have children despite any side effects from the cancer treatment. Her eggs have now been frozen for use in the future.

She also underwent chemotherapy treatment.

But despite going through treatment at the time, Tiffany still enrolled at university in Chester and is currently studying Tourism Management.

Tiffany said: “I’m urging everyone to register now and become a ‘Dryathlete’ for Cancer Research UK.  They can achieve personal glory by banning the booze for a month and raising money for life-saving research.”

“It was a huge shock when I was diagnosed with cancer at such a young age, but thanks to research I am still here.

“I’m calling on men and women across Cheshire to help get September off to a flying start by taking on the Dryathlon challenge.”

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

Last year an impressive 9841 men and women took part in Dryathlon in the North West, raising a fantastic £656, 556 to help beat 200 types of cancer.

Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK spokesperson in the North West, said: “We’re delighted that Tiffany is helping us to highlight Dryathlon this September. We hope she will inspire others to say ‘cheers to no beers’ and sign up today.

“Many of us may have overindulged during the summer months – sofa-surfing while watching the bumper crop of sports competitions or sipping cocktails on holiday. By making a commitment now to be booze-free for September, everyone can kick-start a healthier autumn.

“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.”

For those who think the challenge sounds a bit too daunting, or have a wedding or party to attend, there’s a special ‘tipple tax’. So if a Dryathlete falls off the wagon, they can donate a £20 penalty.

Jane added: “It takes stamina and real commitment to stay the course. We hope family and friends will rally round and support our Dryathletes to go the distance as they summon the willpower to ban the booze for a brilliant cause.

“So whether they’re new to the dry challenge or back to defend their title, we’re urging men and women to sign up now to drop the drink in September and help beat cancer sooner.”

Every hour, more than four people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West. Dryathlon aims to raise money to accelerate ground-breaking research to help more people survive.

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