Toast to Dry July

Former Northlander Aaron Gascoigne, pictured with his family, Jack, 11, Ava, 5, and his wife Jacinta, is a Dry July Ambassador, encouraging people to give up alcohol for the month and change their drinking habits.

A former Northlander who rose to prominence on TV cooking show My Kitchen Rules NZ is back in the spotlight, fronting a campaign to encourage people to give up alcohol for a month.

Aaron Gascoigne is one of the ambassadors for Dry July, a campaign aimed at getting people to give up the liquor.

It's the second year he's taken up the role.

Dry July is the fundraiser that challenges drinkers to go booze-free for a month to support people affected by cancer.

When people are diagnosed with cancer, it's hard to find the time or energy to think about anything other than treating the cancer. Dry July raises money to ease that burden, reduce stress and add a bit of comfort throughout the cancer journey.

Other ambassadors include Paul Martin, a musician from the band Devilskin; nutritionist and TV personality Claire Turnbull; Mel Homer from Mix FM and host of The Cafe; Ricki and Jessie, also from My Kitchen Rules, and Brett McGregor, chef and TV personality.

- Dry July 2016 is now open for sign up and people can enrol, or find out more information, at www.dryjuly.co.nz/signup or donate at www.dryjuly.co.nz/donate.