Siblings put in big effort for Dry July

Jane Goodbehere

Ten siblings around the North Island have given up alcohol for Dry July to raise money for cancer patients.

The O'Sullivans are taking a break from booze to help improve the quality of life of cancer patients.

Sean O'Sullivan, number six in the clan and a Wellington-based lawyer, roped in his siblings Trish, Paul, Tess, Kitty, Maryanne, Kerry, Jane, Clare and Leigh.

Mr O'Sullivan's first girlfriend died of a rare kidney cancer at just 17.

Since then, the family have lost their father to bowel cancer, while other family have suffered with leukaemia, neuroblastoma, Ewing's Sarcoma and breast, liver and bone cancer.

The siblings, aged from 45 to 68, banded together with a few nieces and nephews and "random hangers-on" to form Team O'Sully.

So far they've raised $8500, the second highest amount behind the Christchurch Oncology Department, which has raised more than $11,000.

Third-youngest sibling and University of Waikato library assistant Jane Goodbehere said as well as saving a few dollars, she had noticed a few other benefits of the challenge.

"I feel more healthy. I'm sleeping better and I don't feel 'fuzzy-headed' after a few wines the night before."

For more information or to donate, visit nz.dryjuly.com