Sobering Statistics

Some sobering statistics:

• I’ve been ‘Sober for October’ for a personal best of 22 days.
• One in every three people will get cancer at some point in their life.
• This is my fourth sober Saturday…but at least I won’t have a hangover tomorrow.
• 98% of Macmillan Cancer Support’s income comes from donations.
• I’ve craved wine three times in the past three weeks; once on a Thursday and twice on a Friday (I’m missing my Friday ‘wine time’ to signal the start of the weekend).
• In 2012, Macmillan supported 5.7 million people with cancer, not only practically and medically but also financially.
• This is the first time in twelve years (barring pregnancies) our glass recycling bin hasn’t been on the verge of overflow.
• Of those 5.7 million people helped by Macmillan, 1.9 million were cancer sufferers, 0.6 were carers of those living with cancer and 3.2 million were friends and family of someone affected by cancer.
• I’ve lost two pounds in weight since I started this challenge (I’ve been substituting wine with cake which is why it’s not more).
• £25 could pay for a Macmillan nurse for an hour, helping people living with cancer and their families receive essential medical, practical and emotional support.
• I’ve raised £198 so far through donations for which I’m very grateful.

• 45% of cancer patients say car parking charges have caused them additional stress and worry.  Macmillan are working hard to alleviate this.
• I bought my friend a bottle of wine yesterday as a thank you and was tempted to lick it.
• About 75 in 100 (75%) of children with cancer are now cured, compared with fewer than 3 in 10 (less than 30%) between 1962–1971. Research is continuing to improve treatments and reduce side effects.
• My skin looks better from all the water but I’m weeing for England.
• 4 in 5 cancer patients fork out a whopping average of £570 a month as a result of their illness.  Macmillan helps with these costs.
• The top ‘Sober for October’ fundraiser has raised an amazing £2,195.01 so far this month.
• Cancer patients take a staggering average of 53 trips to the hospital throughout the course of their treatment.
• ‘Sober for October’ started in Australia in 2008.
• 3 in 8 cancer patients pay an average of £37 a month in hospital car parking charges.  Macmillan are petitioning to abolish these charges for cancer sufferers. Click here to sign their petition.
• So far this month 31,583 people have raised £1,012,817.24 for Macmillan’s Sober for October appeal.
• 0808 808 00 00 is the number to ring between 9am – 8pm Monday to Friday to get help and advice from Macmillan Cancer Support.
• I would love to raise at least £300 by the end of my challenge.  If you’d like to support me and the great work that Macmillan does, you can donate here.

Thank you xxx