Still just water…

So I’ve tried to resist talking or blogging too much about this throughout the year…mainly because I was scared that I wouldn’t last. Last December I took the decision that I would take on a year long challenge for 2013 that would push me, challenge me and also raise some money.

I decided to drink nothing but water for 1 year.

At times I’ve regretted it. Some days I’ve felt like giving up. In the early part of the year there were meals I almost forgot!

The warmer days of summer were tough. Some social occasions have been awkward. Constantly turning down some drinks has been annoying!

But I’ve done it. I’ve resisted. I’ve kept going the distance.

This New Year’s Resolution hasn’t been broken.

And the main motivation came from this moment…

15 months ago in Uganda I remember thirsting on a baking hot day for a fizzy drink. I was tired and drained from our days activities in the searing heat and I couldn’t wait to open the bottle of Fanta in my hand. And it tasted so good. But what was in my hand was such a luxury to all the natives and children around me…something that they couldn’t afford, a luxury they couldn’t have.

And so this year I’ve given up one luxury in my life to raise lots of money for children like these. And I would appeal to you to join me in this by donating some of your money to the charity and cause I’ve chosen – Standy by Me. You can donate over here at https://www.justgiving.com/rickswateryear – perhaps giving up one coffee or drink of your own this week might help to contribute to what you can give. I am aiming raise £1000 before the end of the year…or alternatively 100 people to give £10 each. Can you help?

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Stand by Me is dedicated to meeting the physical, educational, emotional and spiritual needs of children and youth who have no other reasonable means of support. They build homes and provide children with 24-hour care in a loving, family style environment. In many countries around the world children are cared for from infancy until the time they are able to function as an independent member of society. Their homes are designed to meet the children’s needs within the context of the culture in which they are living. Each individual child entrusted to them is special, unique, valued and loved. Most of their children take an active part in society, with some graduating from university.

My Water Only Year

I love a challenge. I enjoy trying to do something new…something I haven’t done before. Distance running was that challenge a few years ago, and it’s something I’ve continued and really enjoy now. But I fancied a new challenge….a different challenge.

And so this year I am only drinking water. That’s right, in 2013 no other beverage will touch my lips. No tea/coffee. No alcohol. No fizzy drinks. No pure orange. Nothing but water.

Every meal. Every day. Every week. Every month. This whole year.

I’m doing this for 3 main reasons:

1. To test my willpower and prove to myself that I don’t NEED certain things in life. Some things are a luxury & I want to be grateful for small things in life that others don’t get to experience
2. To raise a stack load of money for an amazing cause – the charity Stand By Me.
3. To take on a difficult challenge that will add to my general health and well being.

I am also being joined by 12 young people from church, who will each be taking on the challenge of drinking water-only for a month at a time.

I’m a couple of months into it all and it hasn’t been easy I’ll admit. Hard to get out of the routine of drinking whatever I fancied. Difficult to resist the temptation of sugary drinks with a pizza, a hot drink when I’m cold, or a flavoured drink with my dinner. But I suppose that’s the idea….and I’ve managed okay.

So this is our small sacrifice for one year. I would love you to join us by sacrificing a small amount of your money that will go towards raising a stack load of money for Stand By Me – a charity that works in a part of the world where water is considered a luxury.

Join me over here

Thanks…