8 February 2011

ZM breakfast host and magazine advice columnist Polly Gillespie is saying goodbye to alcohol for a month.

She’s an ambassador for the Drug Foundation’s first ever FebFast fundraiser in New Zealand.

Other well-known New Zealanders supporting FebFast include chef/food writer Jo Seagar, act/writer Pinky Agnew, singer Maisey Rika, social media editor Greer McDonald, Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker, and a number of National and Labour MPs.

They’re encouraging people to stop drinking alcohol during February to raise money for four New Zealand youth charities via sponsorships and donations.

Close to 1000 people have signed up so far to take part, and FebFast coordinator Catherine Milburn says people can continue to sign up throughout February via the website www.febfast.org.nz.

Polly Gillespie says she had to think long and hard before deciding to take part in FebFast.

“I'm so not anti-booze,” she says.

“I don't want to stop drinking but I want to know I can. I look at people who drink a couple of wines a week and I envy them. I somehow have become the two drinks then ‘what the hell! THE WHOLE BOTTLE, BABY!’

“For the last year or two I have longed to be the woman I was that didn't need wine to relax. FebFast has come along at the exact moment I needed a reason to find ‘old Pol’.”

Polly says February is a stressful month with the rugby Sevens, Valentine’s Day, her birthday, and lots happening in radio at that time of the year.

“I am possibly nuts to embark on this but if I can do it, I'll shout you all a Fanta and a butter chicken on the beach!”

ENDS

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