Secret Harbour influencer goes dry to raise money for Cancer Council

A Secret Harbour model and dental nurse whose mother died of brain cancer is swearing off alcohol this month in honour of her “inspirational” mum.

Georgia Harris is taking part in Dry July, which raises money for Cancer Council’s information and support line, accessible on 13 11 20.

Ms Harris’ mother Leanne died in February, aged 57, just four months after receiving the diagnosis.

“She was such a positive and inspirational person who never wanted to burden anyone,” she said. “She was diagnosed in October 2020 and right up until the end, she remained so optimistic.

“I decided to do Dry July for the first time to try and raise funds for families and individuals affected by cancer in honour of Mum.”

Ms Harris said she knew first-hand the struggles and wanted to help those in similar situations. She has raised more than $1000 so far.

Cancer Council WA chief executive Ashley Reid said people who went “dry” this month would help ensure the organisation could keep providing its vital information and support line.

“Our 13 11 20 line is a confidential service run by experienced cancer nurses and is available to those affected by or concerned about cancer,” Mr Reid said.

“This service is not Government-funded — it is funded through the generosity of donors and fundraisers. Last year, the service provided support to almost 6000 West Australians."

Mr Reid said there were many health benefits to reducing alcohol intake.

“Alcohol is a cause of cancer; research shows that every year more than 3200 cases of cancer can be attributed to alcohol use,” he said.

“There is no safe level of alcohol use, as any level increases the risk of developing an alcohol-caused cancer.

“The more you drink, and the more often you drink, the greater your risk.”

To support Ms Harris’s Dry July fundraiser, visit dryjuly.com/users/georgia- harris.