AN inspirational Greenock woman is giving up booze this summer in aid of a cause very close to her heart.

Greenock Telegraph:

Disabled rights campaigner and fundraiser Johanna Stewart is staying sober in July to raise money for a bowel cancer charity.

The fun-loving 48-year-old, who was born with spina bifida, will be abstaining to help fund research into the disease.

She was moved to act after her mum faced her own battle with bowel cancer four years ago.

Greenock Telegraph:

Johanna, who volunteers at Shopmobility and also runs Versus Arthritis Inverclyde, said: "I heard it was sober July in Australia and thought I would give it a go.

"I can't go sober in October because it is my birthday!

"Bowel cancer is something has affected my family.

"My mum was diagnosed with it but luckily they were able to operate and she is doing well now.

"But I want to help other people, as cancer affects so many people's lives."

Johanna's mum Sandra Dew, who lives in East Renfrewshire, was diagnosed in 2019 and faced an operation to survive.

Her daughter now wants to give back to help other people.

We recently reported how Johann is fighting to relaunch the Versus Arthritis social group to give people with disabilities a better chance to get out and about.

She has raised £700 for Bowel Cancer UK so far as she gives up gin and goes without wine until the end of the month.

Johanna, from Prospecthill Street, said: "I can't believe the support I have had so far.

"I am finding it tough especially on a Saturday when I am watching TV.

"But it is all for a good cause."

A few years ago wheelchair-bound Johanna took part in the Parkrun in aid of Shopmobility.

She has been a big supporter of the service and has relied on it since it started.

If you would like to sponsor Johanna visit her Facebook page and leave a message or email johannastewart40@yahoo.com