Fundraiser loses his locks to raise funds for Bradford Marie Curie Hospice (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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Fundraiser loses his locks to raise funds for Bradford Marie Curie Hospice
9:00am Saturday 9th March 2013 in News
By Jessica Nightingale, T&A Reporter
John Wilcock during his head shave
A Bradford man said goodbye to his beloved locks to raise money for charity in a show of support for his friend.
John Wilcock, 54, from Laisterdyke, decided to do a sponsored head shave for the Marie Curie Hospice in Bradford as his friend, Jeff Nunney, is receiving treatment there.
Mr Nunney, 50, of Otley Road, challenged Mr Wilcock to shave his head to raise money for the hospice.
Mr Nunney said: “Thank you to all our friends and family who have sponsored John. The support has been amazing.”
Before the head shave, Mr Wilcock admitted his hair was his pride and joy.
Mr Wilcock said: “I really wanted to do this to raise money for the hospice after seeing how dedicated and supportive the staff and nurses are.
“I’m thinking of keeping the new hairstyle after people have commented that I look ten years younger.”
Mr Nunney is suffering from cancer and is terminally ill. He first went into the hospice, in Maudsley Street, in January as a trauma patient for 16 days.
To thank the hospice for the work they have done for him, he has been rallying round his friends and family to take up various challenges to collect as much money as possible for the cause.
Along with Mr Wilcock’s head shave, Gemma Carr, Mr Nunney's niece, is preparing to take the plunge with a skydive later this year.
Mr Nunney has also been doing the rounds in the hospice with a parking metre money box.
Mr Nunney said: “I have never been into charities, but I was on my last legs a few months ago and was only given three days to live and I’m still here. The treatment they do is unbelievable.
“I used to be a taker. I was never really a giving person like members of my family and friends, but I want to give something back now.
“I love life and just want to be around longer to see my grandchildren grow up.”
Community fundraiser Rebecca Ross said: “It costs over £3.3 million per year to run the Bradford Hospice and we couldn’t do it without local people like Jeff and his family and friends.”
Contact (01274) 337 036 or e-mail rebecca.ross@mariecurie.org.uk if you would like to get involved with any fundraising activities for the hospice.
