GIVING up a daily drink has been life changing for Glasgow dad Matt Daniels - and he's now urging others to go alcohol-free to raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

After the challenges of 2020 so far, the cancer charity has tweaked its annual Go Sober For October event to make it... soberish.

Supporters can sign up for a 14 day challenge, rather than the full four weeks, but today is the final day to get involved.

Matt works as a mobile tyre mechanic which means he works four days on and four days off and has challenged himself to the full month of Sober October.

The 32-year-old said: "I realised it had been round 10 years since I had gone more than five days sober.

"Sometimes no more than two days, and on more than one occasion drinking on consecutive days.

Glasgow Times:

“The social aspect of having four days off in a row usually meant having free range to do what I like, and having a beer, or more, kind of became a hobby.

"After a day or night on the beers, I'd always wake up with a heavy head and a feeling of regret the next morning.

"This was mainly due to the lack of energy and motivation to do anything. Then after that had worn off, my brain would be saying to me ok, a few beers would be great.

"Until the morning after had arrived. It became a bit of a loop that I was stuck in.

“I wanted to go completely dry for the full month in the hope that it would reset my drinking habit, and reboot my system to remind me what it felt like to have a totally clear mind.

Like many other people, Matt, who lives with his wife and two children in Anniesland, had been drinking more during lockdown.

Research from Macmillan found 10% of people in Scotland say they have been drinking more during the coronavirus pandemic and now regret doing so.

And one in six people in Scotland would like to reduce how much they are drinking.

Matt added: "When the 31 day challenge is over, I would like to think that I'll be able to have a drink but with more moderation to what I was doing previous to the challenge.

“I thought it would be really difficult to cut it out altogether, but it hasn't been.

"The first three of four days were pretty hard, but after that I got into a rhythm.

"As long as you keep yourself busy, focus on meals instead of drinking, it gets easier. It really is true when people say it gets easier as time goes on.

"A routine starts to develop, and after a while the thought of alcohol goes away.

“I've noticed huge benefits already, I've got more energy with the kids, my skin is better, and mentally, I'm feeling way healthier than I have in years.

Glasgow Times:

Macmillan is almost entirely funded by donations and anticipates a loss of 35-50% of its fundraising income due to the pandemic.

The charity is now calling on the public to help raise vital funds to ensure cancer does not become forgotten in this crisis.

Matt said: “I decided to take part in Macmillan Go Sober for October as it's a win win.

Glasgow Times:

"I can do something that benefits me whilst also raising money for a brilliant cause at the same time.

"It's even more motivation to succeed when the donations start to come in.

"You really don't want to let the people down that are supporting you, and anyone involved with this great charity."

Supporters can still sign up for the 14 day Sober-ish October challenge today or can donate at www.gosober.org.uk