A SHOPPING centre security guard has helped raise almost £1,500 for charity after having his ponytail chopped off.
Sean Eddy, who works at Middleton Grange Shopping Centre in Hartlepool, waved goodbye to the long hair he’s had since the age of 13 after deciding the time was right for a change.
And the 23-year-old chose to use the occasion to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, which is Middleton Grange’s nominated charity this year, in tribute to his father who passed away almost three years ago after losing his battle with the illness.
Sean, who lives in Hartlepool, said: “I now know how the lions feel at the zoo, lots of eyes watching them. It was such a nerve-wracking experience having all my hair cut off in front of everyone. Obviously it was fantastic that so many people came along to support me but I definitely felt like I was under the spotlight, especially when they switched off the music which meant I could hear everyone talking.
“Thankfully the new hairdo does not look as bad as I thought it was going to and everyone thinks I look better for it. I think my dad would approve.”
Sean’s hair cut raised £350 on the day and he’s hoping that this money coupled with sponsorship will take the total raised to £1,500.
He has also donated his ponytail to the Little Princesses Trust, a charity which makes real hair wigs for young girls who have undergone chemotherapy.
Other events which were held over the Easter weekend included a raffle which raised £71 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, a performance by singers from local charity Red Dreams, face painting for children, an Easter Egg hunt and a children’s ride.
Suzanne Chaney, marketing manager at Middleton Grange, said: “The whole weekend went really well and attracted quite a crowd. Sean’s hair cut was especially popular with shoppers and it was great to see he had so much support.”
For further information, please contact:
Leanne English, Publicity Seekers, D: 0845 226 9126 www.publicityseekers.co.uk news@publicityseekers.co.uk
Twitter: @publicityseeker
you are very brave x