This August, a group of people will hit the streets of Sydney for a deeply personal cause: reducing stigma and raising awareness of alcohol harms.
Andrew, Annie and Cody have chosen to be part of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education’s (FARE) team at the iconic Sydney City2Surf fun run.
They’re taking on the 14km race to raise funds for FARE’s Voices of Change project, which supports Australians to share their experience of alcohol harm, raise awareness and advocate for change.
Meet these three inspiring fundraisers who are using their personal stories to change the conversation around alcohol.
Andrew: ‘When I was drinking, I wouldn’t have been able to run 14km’
For Andrew Addie, running City2Surf is a powerful symbol of how far he’s come.
“As someone with lived experience of overcoming alcohol use disorder I feel compelled to support organisations that are helping people realise that change is possible,” he said.
After quitting drinking, Andrew remembers feeling alone — as a young gay man in his 30s, he didn’t see many people like himself talking about sobriety.
“I’m seeing that shift now. FARE is part of a phenomenal movement that’s helping reduce stigma, not just for me, but for others who might feel isolated in their journey. I’m particularly fond of FARE’s advocacy work through evidence-based policies that help reduce barriers people experience when accessing the help they need,” he said.
On race day, Andrew is excited to run with pride.
“When I look back to when I was drinking, I never thought I would be able to run a 14km race, so it’s a big deal for me,” he said.
“My favourite part will be the drag queens in the first kilometre through Darlinghurst / King’s Cross cheering us on as we embark on our race to make change in the alcohol space.”
Annie: ‘I have ADHD, and alcohol hits differently for people like me’
Annie will run City2Surf shortly after hitting a personal milestone of 20 months of sobriety.
Before quitting alcohol, she looked forward to drinking every weekend, and more regularly when she was travelling.
“It felt normal, and it felt fun. But the truth is, I have ADHD, and the effects of alcohol hit differently for people like me. We’re more likely to develop dependencies on alcohol or drugs because our brains are constantly seeking dopamine, and substances like alcohol can quickly become a shortcut to that hit,” she said.
“What starts as social drinking can easily turn into a cycle of disconnection and dependency.”
Annie calls quitting alcohol “one of the most transformative things I’ll probably ever do for myself”.
“It helped me reconnect with a version of myself I had quietly suppressed, and finally start showing up as who I really am. And even now, as a 25-year-old who’s almost 20 months sober, I’m still getting to know this version of me,” she said.
Annie is passionate about Voices of Change’s mission to platform the voices of people with lived experience.
“Alcohol harm is more common and more complex than we often realise. In Australia, drinking is glamorised. It’s social, it’s expected, and for many people, it becomes part of how we connect and cope,” she said.
“By sharing real experiences and starting conversations rooted in compassion and honesty, we begin to break the stigma. I truly believe storytelling has the power to change minds, create connection, and help people feel less alone.”
Cody: ‘I’ve lost people to alcohol. I almost lost myself to alcohol’
Sydneysider Cody is preparing to run his first City2Surf on 10 August, proudly joining team FARE to share a message of hope and healing.
“I’m excited to be around many people like me who have been training for this and working towards better versions of themselves,” he said.
Cody’s decision to run is deeply personal.
“I’ve lost people to alcohol. I almost lost myself to alcohol. (But) there is always capacity for change, even when the odds are stacked against you. It starts with simply believing in yourself – ‘I can do this.’”
He’s fundraising for Voices for Change, a project that is close to his heart.
“I would like to contribute towards a future where alcohol harm is out of the picture, and to encourage people to get the help and education they need,” he said.
Want to get behind team FARE?
Registrations for the 2025 City2Surf are now sold out.
If you’d like to support team FARE, you can make a donation online.
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