Varadkar on the dry for January

MINISTER for Health Leo Varadkar might be under pressure but he won’t be drowning any sorrows, for this month at least.

That’s because the Dublin West TD is taking part in the

‘On The Dry’ campaign for January, in support of the Irish Heart Foundation’s latest fundraising campaign.

The campaign encourages those who abstain from alcohol at this time of year to raise vital donations towards the fight against heart disease and stroke – the number one causes of death in this country.

Minister Varadkar, along with Leinster rugby star, Kevin McLaughlin, and RTE weather presenter, Nuala Carey, are the latest public figures to go On The Dry for the campaign, which is supported by AIG Insurance and Dublin’s 98FM.

Other high profile supporters include Dublin GAA star, Bernard Brogan, actress Caroline Morahan and TV presenter, Eoghan McDermott. The Irish Heart Foundation say Minister Varadkar’s endorsement is another major boost to a campaign that is clearly gathering momentum.

“It comes in the wake of AIG’s decision to replace their logo with the

‘On The Dry’ message on the Dublin senior footballers’ jerseys for the duration of the O’Byrne Cup and AIG Ambassador Bernard Brogan’s recent Late Late Show appearance,

? an Irish Heart Foundation spokesperson said.

Northsiders are being asked to back the campaign and boost their health at the same time this month by signing up to take part at www.onthedry.ie.

Everybody who registers will be in with a chance to take part in the Dry Run – an urban adventure race around Dublin that takes place on February 7.

The run, which is both a mental and physical event, will feature a range of exciting challenges including a hamster dash in zorbs, a climbing wall, an insect tasting challenge and a zip line ride across the tree tops.