Sunderland Echo

Christine’s close shave for charity

- By Sophie Brownson sophie.brownson@jpress.co.uk Twitter: @sbrownsonj­p

A woman is feeling anything but blue after she braved a headshave to raise funds in memory of her dad.

Grandmothe­r Christine McCourt, 64, has had her striking blue locks cut off to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Care.

The dedicated fundraiser decided to raise the funds in support of the charity which cared for her late father Joseph Dickinson.

Mum-of-four Christine, of Barmston, Washington, lost her dad in 2005 following his battle with lung cancer. He was 75.

Slimming World member Christine was inspired to raise funds after seeing her fellow slimmers embark on a range of fundraisin­g activities for charity.

The group, based at Washington Mind, in Grasmere Terrace, is led by Lynne Pittiglio.

Christine’s difficulty with walking meant that she couldn’t participat­e in the events like sponsored runs, but she didn’t want it to stop her from raising cash for the worthy cause.

She decided to shave her head and raised £300.

Christine said: “My dad suffered from cancer and the Macmillan nurses made his life a lot better by helping him in any way they could.

“I have been going to Slimming World for a while and have lost two stone, and have six stone to go.

“I am 16-and-a-half stone and am hoping to get to 10 stone.

“Due to my ill health I have difficulty walking, but wanted to do something to raise some money. So I de- cided to get my head shaved.”

The retired grandmothe­r had her daughter Maria McCourt, 41, shave off her hair while at the Slimming World group’s regular meeting.

In the run-up to the big day, Christine saw her family and friends chip in to raise the impressive total.

Christine added: “Every little helps.”

Macmillan provides specialist health care, informatio­n and financial support to people affected by cancer.

“I wanted to do something to raise some money” CHRISTINE MCCOURT

 ??  ?? Christine McCourt after she had her head shaved in aid of Macmillan Slimming World.
Christine McCourt after she had her head shaved in aid of Macmillan Slimming World.
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 ??  ?? Christine’s daughter Maria, right,shaved off her mam’s blue hair.
Christine’s daughter Maria, right,shaved off her mam’s blue hair.

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