FOR those who enjoy a drink, imagine abstaining from alcohol for a YEAR.

Like many, Kevin Keogh enjoyed a tipple at the end of the working week - but the last time he raised a glass was in memory of his best pal, Craig Bennett, on what would have been Craig’s 39th Birthday.

Craig passed away at the age of 37. Kevin and Craig had known each other for more than 20 years after meeting at Buttershaw Comprehensive school in Bradford, now known as Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College.

“We served our apprenticeships together,” says Kevin, who lives near Skipton.

Working as joiners, the pair started at the same shopfitting firm and then worked together at HB Projects in Bradford.

The 41-year-old, who is now a contracts manager at Hollycroft Construction in Leeds, was devastated when his pal died.

“His children and our children are the same age, our wives are very good friends and I wanted to do something in memory of him and as a thank you to Macmillan for what they did for him while he was with us, and what they have done for his family since then,” explains Kevin.

While working for his previous firm, HB Projects, they undertook a fundraising bikeathon raising around £6,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Eager to do more for the charity, which provides practical help and support and is also campaigning for improved cancer care, Kevin was seeking another fundraising challenge and settled on staying sober for a year.

“My last alcoholic drink was in November 2017 on his 39th Birthday and my first pint was for him on his 40th birthday this year,” says Kevin, who chose to have a pint of his pal’s favourite Corona.

When asked if he missed drinking for 12 months, Kevin said: “I didn’t miss it because there are very good alcohol free beers out there.

"The mind-set I had it didn’t bother me at all.”

Kevin had hoped his abstinence from drinking would raise around £1,000 but he has more than exceeded his challenge.

So far, his fundraising total has topped more than £4,000 - thanks to his sponsors including family and friends, work colleagues, companies and suppliers.

But what would Craig think?

“He would be laughing his head off but equally proud I had done it as well,” says Kevin.

Craig’s wife, Cherie, says: “Craig was an amazing husband, devoted Dad and great friend.

"He would be laughing at Kevin for not drinking, but so proud of his achievement for raising money for such a great cause to help others.

“We are all proud of him.”