For his mum and everyone like her

In 2024, shortly after his mum Shelley turned 51, she was diagnosed with bowel cancer. She is still undergoing treatment.

It was the kind of news that just arrives out of nowhere and changes everything.

“I remember getting a phone call and they [Mum and Dad] said, ‘Come around for a chat’, not thinking anything of it,” Mitch said.

That conversation is why Mitch signed up for Dry July this year.

On average, 14,900 Australians are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year, with more and more of them being younger adults.

For Mitch, his mum’s diagnosis came as a shock, but he was quick to point out that skipping a few beers for a month is nothing compared to what she has been through.

“No comparison to going through chemo and radiation,” he said.

“So, I just thought, if I can motivate her to keep fighting, then I can give it a go and try and raise some money for research.”

Bowel cancer is Australia’s second deadliest cancer, but when detected early, 90 per cent of cases can be treated.

And it’s just that, that makes Shelley’s story especially important to tell, as Mitch says that she had to push for answers.

He said his mum went to get checked because she felt something was wrong, wasn’t satisfied with the initial response she received and sought a second opinion.

Within a week, she was diagnosed.

“You know your own body, if something doesn’t feel right, go and get checked,” Mitch said.

Taking part in Dry July for the first time, Mitch didn’t set a huge fundraising goal, but instead, a modest target of $250.

He has currently raised $274.25, passing his target, but says it’s not an achievement on his own. It’s the ripple effect he cares more about.

“If I can raise $300, then 100 people could do it, it all adds up in the end,” he said.

Mitch admits that “waking up fresh on a Monday” has been a welcome bonus of a dry month but that going alcohol-free hasn’t been effortless either.

Working a job where a Friday afternoon beer with the boys is practically routine, he’s had to sit back, sipping a can of coke instead.

But he remembers his mum doesn’t get a cheat day off cancer and the cause is more important.

“You’re not going to have cancer for one day,” he said.

“If I can skip a drink, it’s only a small part of what they’ve had to do.”

For anyone with family history of cancer or anyone weighing up whether to get involved in Dry July, Mitch’s answer is straightforward: do it.

“It’s only four weeks out of your life and you can potentially change someone else’s life,” he said.

To donate, visit Support Mitch Heggart this Dry July and make a donation.