A Kirklees councillor who celebrated a booze-free month admits: “I’m much healthier”.
Newsome ward councillor Andrew Cooper says that he is a changed man after completing the month long Dry January Challenge and plans to stay off the beer for a few more weeks.
He took on the test after indulging at Christmas to help boost his health and assess his drinking habits.
It was not always an easy task for Clr Cooper, who admits he was a regular drinker and enjoyed a beer to relax after a busy day of council work and meetings and to wind down at the weekend.
It was made even harder for him due to him being the only one in his family to sign up to the challenge.
He said: “On occasion I really fancied a beer, but made do with a pint of lime and soda.”
But now he has completed the effort, he is showing no signs of giving into a drink and has spoken about the benefits it has brought him, which include feeling more lively, alert and aware.
Clr Cooper, said: “I feel sharper, especially when working and thinking. “Now the decision is when to have an alcohol drink, as I haven’t yet given into the urge.
“I’ve made it this far and felt the benefits, so I’m not hurrying back to my old ways - instead I am looking for a new challenge.”
Clr Cooper was joined on the challenge by Mechanical Engineering Manager at Kirklees Council, Grahame McKinsley.
He had his last drink at five minutes to midnight on New Year’s Eve and has not had an alcoholic drink since.
He added: “I’m contemplating to continue through February as it has assisted with plans to lose weight and the wallet is also much healthier, as do I in myself.
“I’ve set myself a target of 3 March before I have another drink, for my father in laws 80th birthday, then I aim to reduce amount I drink.”
Kirklees Council supported their involvement as part of their bid to encourage others to improve their health and wellbeing in the same way.
