A POLICE officer who knows only too well about the consequences of excess alcohol is giving up booze in a bid to raise money for charity. 

Barrow sergeant Chris Bethell, who has worked for Cumbria police for more than 20 years, is taking part in Dry January to help a charity close to his heart.

Having witnessed the gradual decline of his own grandfather following the onset of Alzheimer's, his father-in-law is now suffering from what Sgt Bethell described as a "cruel illness".


Sergeant Chris Bethell of Barrow Police. The 45-year-old father-of-two added: "My grandfather enjoyed a pint and I took him for his last one at a time when he was unable to make conversation or do much without help. He asked for a half. He'd never previously done that before but it was all he wanted. That was over 20 years ago.

"My father-in-law is now in the early stages of the disease and the heartache my grandmother went through is now apparent in the eyes of my mother-in-law."

That lasting memory of his grandfather helped to inspire the fundraiser.

Sgt Bethell said: "Abstaining from alcohol for a month may seem trivial or an easy challenge to do for some, but for me it's breaking a habit which I enjoyed. Somehow, turning my back on the beer seemed to tie in with my grandfather and our last pint together."

Admitting that having the occasional drink had become something of a bad habit for him, Sgt Bethell said giving up the booze for a month had not been as easy as he anticipated. Earlier this month, he described how he would resist the urge to raise a glass to former colleague, Special Constable David Platt who died suddenly at the age of 32.

Sgt Bethell has so far raised more than £400 for the Alzheimer's Society but is hoping to further boost his total and reach £500 before the end of the month. Anyone who would like to donate can do so via the JustGiving page HERE or by texting "CJBX70 £..." to 70070.