I’m now two weeks into my Remember September challenge of giving up sugar and artificial sweeteners, and it’s going well so far. The biggest challenge has been the weekends, when everyone is out enjoying coffee and treats. Walking past displays of cakes and pastries at local cafés definitely tests my willpower!

I’ve also finally started promoting my fundraiser at work. I’ll admit I’ve been a little slow getting started this year, but I’m looking forward to raising awareness and support for a cause that means so much to me.

Fundraising is becoming increasingly challenging as many families face financial pressures. That’s why I’m especially grateful for every donation, whether it’s large or small. Every contribution will help support people affected by pancreatic cancer and fund vital research aimed at improving early detection and, hopefully one day, finding a cure.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far. Your generosity and encouragement mean the world to me. 💜

I'm still off the sugar! 😊

The cravings have become much less intense, and my energy levels are far more consistent than they were at the start of the challenge.

One unexpected challenge has been going into large supermarkets. Every aisle seems to be screaming SUGAR at me in big, bold packaging. It's amazing how much I notice the marketing now that I'm actively avoiding it.

While I am not participating in the Remember September walking challenge this year, I am still challenging myself to walk one kilometre for every person who dies from pancreatic cancer each week. It is a small but meaningful way to honour those affected by the disease and support the cause.

Yesterday was Day 1 of my monthly challenge to give up sugar. To be precise about what I'm giving up, I am cutting out both sugar and artificial sweeteners. However, I will still eat fruit and carbohydrates, as the body naturally breaks these down into sugars.

I won't be eating cakes, biscuits, chocolate, or sweets, and I won't be drinking juice or soft drinks. This won't be easy, as I love my daily chocolate treat or a biscuit with a cup of tea.

Day 1 went quite well. I didn't have any cravings as such, but I did notice all the chocolate advertisements on TV last night, as well as the IGA catalogue filled with sugary foods and drinks.

Today, on Day 2, I feel a little tired, but other than that I'm still managing fine. 

This is my third year participating in the Remember September Challenge and my fifth year raising funds to help change the outcomes of pancreatic cancer.

As I love walking and don't really find it much of a challenge, I've decided to take on something different this year – No Sugar!

That means no chocolate, no lollies, no cakes, and no sweet treats for the entire month. And trust me, this will be a real challenge! I love my sweet treats with a cup of tea after dinner, and I also love baking, so giving up sugar won't be easy.

Every day without sugar will be a reminder of why I'm doing this – to support vital pancreatic cancer research and help improve outcomes for those affected by this devastating disease.

If you're able to support me, I'd be incredibly grateful. Every donation, no matter how big or small, makes a difference.