Go Sober For October is a campaign run by Macmillan Cancer Support that encourages people to quit alcohol for a month and raise funds for people battling cancer. You can go sober for 14, 21, or 31 days depending on what you are comfortable with. By observing this month, not only are you doing something great for cancer fighters, but you’re also taking a step towards improving your health.
History of Go Sober For October — October
The Society for the Prevention and Relief of Cancer, which later came to be known as Macmillan Cancer Support, was founded by Douglas Macmillan in 1911 after he lost his father to cancer. In the early 1900s, cancer was still a medical mystery and there were many superstitions around it. Treatment was limited. After his father passed away, Douglas made his life’s mission to improve the standards of medical care that cancer patients received.
After Mcmillan died in 1960, the establishment continued his legacy and provided healthcare and support to cancer patients across the U.K. In the 1970s, the Mcmillan nurses rose to prominence. In the 1980s, Macmillan Cancer Relief, as it was known then, raised a fund of £10 million for the first time. In 1996, Macmillan Cancer Relief was renamed Macmillan Cancer Support, and in 1999 it successfully convinced “The Oxford English Dictionary” to change its incorrect definition of cancer.
In 2012, an innovative approach towards Cancer treatment was initiated, and the University College Hospital (U.H.C.) Macmillan Cancer Centre was opened. Today, Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the largest charities in Britain and it provides healthcare and financial support to people affected by cancer.
The idea of going sober in October is said to have emerged when the Australian Organization Life Education organized a fundraiser named ‘Ocsober’ in 2010. But it caught the attention of the general public when comedian and U.F.C. commentator Joe Rogan announced in his podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience,” that he was going to take up the challenge. Since then, many celebrities have taken up the Go Sober For October challenge and inspired others to do the same.
Go Sober For October — October timeline
Douglas Mcmillan establishes Macmillan Cancer Support.
The first-ever Macmillan cancer unit is built at Christchurch Hospital, Dorset.
Australian youth health organization, Life Education organizes a fundraiser named ‘Ocsober’ to empower Australian children.
Sober October — a fundraising campaign for Macmillan Cancer Support, is initiated.
Go Sober For October — October FAQs
Can everyone take up the Go Sober For October Challenge?
Unless you are a heavy drinker, you can participate in this challenge. Heavy drinkers are advised to consult their general physician before they take up this challenge. Also, you have to be 18+ to take up this challenge.
What if there is a special occasion in October?
There’ll definitely be a Halloween party or a simple house party in October that you cannot miss. Here’s where the golden ticket comes in. For a donation of £15, you can buy a golden ticket that allows you to take a night off from your challenge. You can also ask your family or friends to buy you one, which is also a way of adding more money to your fundraiser.
Can I give up anything other than alcohol?
Yes! But this is a different challenge named Quit For October. You can give up anything that you love, for example, chocolates, meat, or even something non-physical like social media! The idea is to show people that you’re giving up something that you love and how important it is to support people living with cancer.
How to Observe Go Sober For October — October
Sign-up with Macmillan Cancer Support
Visit the Macmillan Cancer Support website and the Go Sober page to sign-up for the Sober October challenge. Ask your friends and family to donate to this cause. The money you raise will be effectively used to support cancer patients medically and financially, which will make a huge impact on their lives.
Pledge to walk or run for this cause
Since you are already taking a step towards better health by abstaining from alcohol, why not take a step further and add some exercise to make it even better? Pledge to walk or run any number of miles you're comfortable with. Post pictures on your social media account and remind people of this challenge.
Try something new
This would be the perfect time to experiment with things you've never tried before. Try tasting non-alcoholic drinks at the bar or try making your own. Read a book, watch a new T.V. series, meditate. The ideas are limitless!
5 Facts About Alcohol That Will Blow Your Mind
Humans made alcohol 80 million years ago
It is said that our ancestors started intentionally fermenting food to generate alcohol 80 million years ago.
George Washington was the first whiskey distiller
The first-ever whiskey distiller in the U.S. was none other than the first president, George Washington who established his distillery in 1798.
Alcohol is a depressant
It takes about six minutes for the body to react to alcohol and it has been termed a depressant as it slows down the activity in the brain.
Alcohol is a leading cause of death
A recent study shows that alcohol kills about 2.8 million people every year globally.
Alcohol affects women differently
Studies show that women absorb more alcohol than men and are at a higher risk of alcohol damage.
Why Go Sober For October — October is Important
It provides support to cancer patients
For someone battling cancer, life is hard enough. There are millions of cancer patients who need your support. Take the Go Sober For October challenge and help make a difference in the lives of these people.
Alcohol abuse is serious
About 5.3% of all human deaths are caused by alcohol. Studies show that alcohol abuse can substantially increase the risk of developing cancer, heart ailments, and liver damage. Also, driving under the influence of alcohol kills millions of people globally every year. So go sober in October and take a break from alcohol.
Quitting alcohol can improve your health drastically
When you quit alcohol, not only are you lowering your risk of developing chronic diseases, but you are also improving your health. Having better sleeping patterns, more energy, and a clearer head are some of the benefits of quitting alcohol. Also, you are saving loads of money that would otherwise be spent on booze!
Go Sober For October — October dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | October 1 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | October 1 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | October 1 | Thursday |
| 2027 | October 1 | Friday |
| 2028 | October 1 | Sunday |
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