A WORCESTER woman who has ditched alcohol for a month to raise money for charity is on her way to smashing her fundraising target.

Emma Jenkins, from The Tything, decided to go sober throughout October to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, the charity which supports cancer sufferers and their families.

The 37-year-old said: "I have ME which stops me from running marathons, so this is the way I chose to raise money as those close to me appreciate how tough it is.

"My step-dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer in January this year, so Macmillan is a cause very close to my heart.

"Their support arm offers help to people who are less fortunate than my dad, who don't have such a close network, and support when they need it most."

Mrs Jenkins, who works as a client services director at city-based marketing agency Marmalade Soup, initially set a £200 target but this was reached within 24 hours so she raised it to £400, which was reached within a week.

She is now aiming for £1,000, and with only a few days of October and her challenge left to go Mrs Jenkins says she is hopefully of reaching the target with a last push - as she has so far raised £840.

Mrs Jenkins added: "It has been tougher than you'd think.

"I've cut out the glasses of wine in the week, and it has been difficult when I'm out with friends and colleagues and they are drinking, and I've got a soft drink.

"But it has all been worth it."

Tonic Worcester has also been supporting Mrs Jenkins' challenge through creating a menu of mocktails, and donating £1 from each drink sold towards her fundraising.

There is still time to make a donation to Mrs Jenkin's fundraising challenge by visiting gosober.org.uk/users/emma-jenkins.