Mangawhai mum backs her father

Some people need their daily cup of tea, others coffee but Nicola Duke's hit came in the form of Coca Cola, which she's given up for Junk Free June. Photo / John Stone

She has a love for all things sugary but a desire to help the organisation who help her dad will see Nicola Duke give up sweet treats for a whole month.

The Mangawhai mum of three has dumped the Coke, fudge and deep fried foods for Junk Free June - an entire month without her beloved sweets.

"I have a big sweet tooth and I am known for it. Anything with sugar I love, I don't drink tea or coffee so Coca Cola was my only caffeine," she said.

People around New Zealand are taking part in the month-long challenge to raise money for the Cancer Society.

Despite her sugary love, giving it up for a month was a fairly easy decision for Mrs Duke. Last year her father was diagnosed with multiple myeloma a rare form of blood cancer that Mrs Duke said was likely to kill him.

"We always thought Dad would live to be 100. He was fit, he'd do marathons and go on Sunday runs, he was active."

Mrs Duke said during her dad's journey with cancer the Cancer Society had been supportive and so she wanted to do something to support them.

"We live in a coastal town and it's 50 minutes from Whangarei and about one hour and 30 minutes to Auckland hospital. Dad has to go to hospital for stem cell transplants and there's a lodge he stays at, for free, provided by the Cancer Society. I mean if we didn't have that he'd have to stay with family on the North Shore but his immunity is compromised, so the lodge is a safe place."

Mrs Duke said when she's tempted she thinks of her dad. She said the first four days were the roughest as her body adjusted to less sugar, however it was a local funeral filled with home baking that really tested Mrs Duke's will power.

"Everyone provided beautiful baking - slices, cakes biscuits. That was tough, I was lucky to have my friends there to keep me in line."

Mrs Duke described the month as a double-win, not only would she be she raising money for the Cancer Society but she has also kick started healthier eating habits.

"The plan is to keep eating how I am now but I'll allow myself a treat now and then, unlike this month," she said.

To donate to Mrs Duke's Junk Free June efforts visit: https://www.junkfreejune.org.nz/participants/nicola-duke