Co-founder of Dry July – a fundraiser which challenges adults to give up alcohol for a month to raise money for adults living with cancer – Mr Grove said the idea began in a Sydney pub. 

The national project, in its third year in Ballarat, has raised $11,000 for the Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre (BRICC).

Last year Dry July funds went toward a video conferencing facility at BRICC, according to Ballarat Health Services Foundation and Fundraising Director Geoff Millar. 

“Medical oncologists can talk to patients and other medical practitioners in remote areas,” he said. 

About 600 people from Ballarat have fundraised over the past two years, one of which was Sarah Birtles.

Mrs Birtles’ husband died in 2012 and she said having access to the new wellness and spiritual centres at BRICC would have eased the stress her family was under.

“I’m doing it in his memory and to raise money for such a wonderful healthcare facility,” he said. 

Much like Movember, Dry July encourages participants to get sponsorship from the local community. 

Mr Grove said people could buy a “golden ticket” for $25 if they wanted to abstain from a teetotal month for a day. 

To support BRICC during Dry July, register at www.dryjuly.com.