Ipswich landlord of The Arboretum undertakes Dry January challenge with friend to raise money for Bobby Bolton

An Ipswich pub landlord and his friend are battling the nearby alcohol temptations and undertaking the ‘Dry January’ challenge to raise money for a local cause.

James Iannone, 38, the landlord of The Arboretum in High Street, and his friend Bethany Grotto (known as Debs), 38, are abstaining from alcohol from January 7 to February 7, and have already raised over £800 to help a young boy in need of physiotherapy.

Despite the challenge being made more difficult by Mr Iannone’s job, the pair have so far remained teetotal.

Mr Iannone said: “It’s quite difficult to say the least because you are surrounded by it 24/7.

“Debs and I are supporting each other which helps because we can remind each other we can do it.”

The pair were inspired to undertake the challenge, after hearing of Bobby Bolton, the two-year-old from Sutton who suffers from brain damage. Money is being raised for physio to help him sit and walk unaided.

Mr Iannone added: “He has had quite a lot of problems and has been on life support, so I thought it would be a great way of raising money.”

A 12-hour singathon has also been organised by Harmonix Karaoke in conjunction with The Arboretum on February 28, which will include a raffle and face painting to raise more money for the Bobby’s Wish cause.

To donate visit ‘James and Debs go dry for January on virginmoneygiving.com.