Billy beer-less for Dry July

BILLY Brownless is gearing up for a Dry July as the Barwon Health Foundation’s 2021 ambassador.

The popular public figure and former Cats champ will go a month without alcohol to help raise funds for the Andrew Love Cancer Centre.

As the owner of The Cremorne Hotel and Wharf Shed, Brownless said the task will be a challenge but one that is close to his heart with his mother previously losing her battle to cancer.

“Owning two pubs makes it difficult not to have a drink for the month so I will be honest there,” he said.

“I am going to come in, the locals will be here and the first thing they are going to ask is ‘do you want to have a beer?’ so that’s going to be interesting, but I am sure I can do it.

“The Andrew Love Cancer Centre is a great facility for Greater Geelong and that’s what it’s all about.”

Since 2008, Dry July has inspired more than 250,000 Australians to join the cause raising up to $60 million for those affected by cancer as well as 80 cancer organisations nationwide.

In addition to raising money under the ‘Billy’s Frothy Fund,’ Brownless said he is also looking forward to reaping the health benefits.

“Hopefully I will get off the beers, so to speak, and lose a bit of weight,” he said.

“The longest I have been off the drink was when I was playing footy for the Cats because I wasn’t getting a kick, so you always try something different, and I reckon I went for about two weeks … I didn’t know what to do with my hands.”

Brownless is calling on the community to join him on his challenge or to donate to the Billy’s Frothy Fund.

“I’m really proud to partner with the Barwon Health Foundation this Dry July and encourage other locals to sign up in support of the Andrew Love Cancer Centre,” he said.

To donate or sign-up head to the Dry July website at dryjuly.com.