My name is Lyndall Heddle. I am 63 years old and the mother of three daughters, Lauren, Alexandra, and Monique, and I have three gorgeous grandsons.

I have known the Dwyer family since 2005 when my daughter Lauren and Daniela were in the same year at Canberra Girls Grammar School, as was my youngest daughter Monique and Natalie. Coincidentally Luisa and I were both working at the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade at the same time.

Many of us have lost loved ones and friends to the terrible disease of cancer. When it is children or young adults, like Daniela, who are diagnosed and lose their lives to brain cancer, and in doing so lose the future they would have had, then the impact of that, and the grief felt by those who loved and knew them, is unimaginable. However, there is something we can all do. We can support vital brain cancer research. Australian scientists are leading the way in this research and our contributions will help to find a cure faster.

My partner Mark and I, recently caught up with Luisa and Kevin in Italy. Eating and drinking great food and wine becomes the daily norm in Italy, particularly when you are on holiday. The idea of my alcohol-free challenge hatched itself there. I have previously participated in Dry July, but this year decided to take it a step further and go dry for 80 days. Day 1 was the day I arrived back in Australia on 21 August, and I will continue until 8 November.

So please support me in “Lyndall’s 80 day Challenge”, by making a donation today to the Daniela Dwyer Foundation. Together we can make a difference.

You are also most welcome to join with me on your own 80-day challenge.

Thank you.