Cheers to Burnley dad as he starts "no beer for a year" challenge

A young dad was so inspired by a friend who decided to give up alcohol for a year he has decided to join her in the beer ban.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Apr 2018, 14:00 BST
Updated 24th Apr 2018, 16:11 BST
Ben Charlton, who is giving up beer for a year, with his girlfriend Madison Astin.Ben Charlton, who is giving up beer for a year, with his girlfriend Madison Astin.
Ben Charlton, who is giving up beer for a year, with his girlfriend Madison Astin.

And although Ben Charlton has admitted it will be a tough ask to celebrate watching this summer's World Cup "dry" nothing will stop him from achieving his aim to raise as much money as possible for a charity that means so much to him.

For Ben (25) is raising cash for the national charity PAPYRUS for the prevention of young suicide along with his lifelong friend Shelly Heap who started the challenge in September.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Shelly wanted to raise as much awareness as possible for the charity and Ben decided he was going to help as he has lost his uncle and a close friend to suicide.

Shelly Heap (front) who inspired her pal Ben Charlton to give up beer for a year for charity.Shelly Heap (front) who inspired her pal Ben Charlton to give up beer for a year for charity.
Shelly Heap (front) who inspired her pal Ben Charlton to give up beer for a year for charity.

Ben, who lives in Burnley with his partner Madison Astin, said: "There is no better charity than this one and it means a lot to me.

"The loss of my friend and uncle was a massive shock because it was so unexpected so I want to do what I can to help."

A dad of three who works as a confined space operative for a company called PMP. is determined that he and Shelly will get to the £5,000 mark.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Since she started her "no beer for a year" challenge Shelly (41) has raised £3,743, which includes £800 from a pub crawl she organised on Good Friday from Burnley town centre to Lowerhouse Cricket Club where she works as bar manager.

Shelly Heap (front) who inspired her pal Ben Charlton to give up beer for a year for charity.Shelly Heap (front) who inspired her pal Ben Charlton to give up beer for a year for charity.
Shelly Heap (front) who inspired her pal Ben Charlton to give up beer for a year for charity.

Ben has organised football events in the past to raise money for the families of suicide victims and since he started his no beer challenge he has stepped into the ring to take part in a charity boxing match organised by his friends Bradley Pounder and Dan Embers who run Boss Promotions.

The beer ban will be tough for Ben as his beloved Burnley look set to play European football next season. He will have to celebrate or commiserate with a pint of lemonade while watching the Clarets and also when he plays for Baltic FC as the lads usually go for a pint after a game.

To make a donation to Ben and Shelly's cause go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/shelly-heap1 or to find out more about the walk contact Shelly on facebook.

Related topics:Burnley