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Good eggs go all the way in hair-raising fundraiser

October 18, 2004

heads up blogg.jpgIt’s proved a close shave for I.T. workers at the University of New England to raise $1300.
Mark Simpson, Laurence Garner and Andrew Curry (pictured) decided to enter this year’s Relay for Life, an annual event held round-the-globe to help raise funds for cancer research.
But after making a commitment to the cause on Thursday, they left themselves with little time to prepare for the event, held on the weekend at Armidale Sportsground.
Instead, they decided on-the-spot to shave their heads and in the process, managed to raise $1300 from friends, family and colleagues.

“We sent e-mails to friends and colleagues, telling them of our last-minute decision and they pledged support,” Mr Simpson, 35 and Manager of UNE’s Computer Services said.
“Initially we thought we would raise about $500 so were stunned when we raised more than $1000.”
The lads also walked around the showground with hundreds of other entrants on Friday afternoon, before undertaking the Full Shave on Saturday morning.
Mr Simpson’s wife Helen, a professional hairdresser, shaved their heads at the showground on Saturday morning, while other Relay for Life entrants watched on.
“The whole process took about half an hour,” Mr Simpson said. “We have gone totally bald, with the razor and the blade taking all our hair.”
Laurence Garner, 23, Manager of UNE’s I.T. Workshop and Andrew Curry, 28, an I.T. technician, surprised staff when they turned up on Monday totally bald.
But colleagues were happy to support the worth cause and the trio are looking at entering Relay for Life next year, Mr Simpson said.
For more information phone Lydia Roberts on 6773 2779
For photographs phone David Elkins on 6773 3770.

Posted by Lydia Roberts at October 18, 2004 04:04 PM