Losing Hair to Boost Care

Around a metre of hair boosted a good cause thanks to an Erimus Housing employee.

Rose Edwards, Warden Services Manager for the organisation, took the scissors to her long locks to raise money for Teesside Hospice. Rose has already gathered more than £900 in sponsorship money – but her fundraising feat may also have another important impact.

The hair has been donated to the hospice, where it could be used to make wigs for patients who have lost their hair through illness.

Contemporary hairdressers also agreed to donate its fee to the hospice.

Rose said: “My daughter kept telling me I was getting too old to have long hair and I said if I was going to have it cut it would be for a good cause.”

It is the second time Rose has faced the scissors in a bid to raise charity cash.

Six years ago, Rose had her hair cut for a bowel cancer charity.

“A lot of the elderly residents sponsored me, as well as friends and work colleagues and I would like to say a big thank you to them,” added Rose. “I hope this will make a difference to the hospice, which relies on donations to keep up its excellent work.”

Teesside Hospice Care Foundation, based in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, was established in 1982 to enhance the lives of local people suffering from life limiting illnesses.

The hospice cares for over 3,000 individuals each year living in the Tees Valley, South Durham and North Yorkshire. All services are free of charge but its annual running costs are in excess of £1.8m.

Debbie Coulson, Marketing Manager at Teesside Hospice said “This is a fantastic and brave way for Rose to show her support for Teesside Hospice.

“It is only with the help of local people such as Rose that we are able to raise the £3,200 needed each day to provide specialist palliative care to local people with life limiting illnesses free of charge.”