Bald Move Helps Charity Fundraiser To See Double

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Sharon MartinA West Lothian woman’s bold decision to shave her hair off has seen her more than double the amount she hoped to raise for cancer charities.

Sharon Martin from Livingston, who decided on the sponsored event in memory of her aunt who died from cancer, had planned to raise around £2000 for Cancer Research and Marie Curie.

But after undergoing the chop at a charity disco at Bathgate’s Glenmavis Bowling Club, Sharon exceeded her fundraising target by raising a remarkable £4000.

Sharon, who works as a call centre manager at Bathgate-based energy efficiency specialists Direct Savings, was overwhelmed by the support of her employer and other businesses in the community.

Overwhelming Community Support

She said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have more than doubled my fundraising target which would not have been possible without the overwhelming generosity I have been so lucky to receive from Direct Savings, Bling-tastic Nails and others in the local community.

“After my story was featured in the press I was inundated with offers of fantastic raffle prizes which really helped add excitement to the night.

“It was an incredibly emotional evening for me and my family and there were lots of tears but I’m already getting used to my new look.

“Luckily for me my hair will grow back so it has been completely worth it for the incredible amount of money we have raised that will go to such fantastic causes.

“I would like to thank everyone who donated prizes and who attended the night from the bottom of my heart and I know my Aunt would be so proud that she has left such a positive legacy.”

Sharon’s aunt, Rita Fleming from Bents in Stoneyburn tragically lost her battle with breast cancer on 28 February 2011 at the age of 63.

A True Inspiration

When Sharon’s bosses at Direct Savings heard about her inspirational story they decided to help her in any way they could to achieve her goal.

Director Eileen Smith said: “What Sharon has done is nothing short of inspirational and we feel incredibly privileged to have her on our team.

“Her positive outlook on life has always been infectious in the workplace and we wanted to help her with her challenge by donating money and helping her organise the event.

“The team all went along to the disco which was a truly heart-warming evening and we are absolutely delighted that her contribution will help make a real difference to cancer sufferers in the future.”

In addition to the support from Direct Savings, Sharon would like to thank Irene from Bling-tastic Nails as well as the following companies for their generosity; Landrover, SweetTree, Wonderbra Livingston, Zaika Indian Restaurant, Star and Garter Linlithgow, Barclays Diamonds, Ewington Hotel Stoneyburn, Facelook Beauty, Mid Street Barbers Bathgate, Jordan Thompson at Fair Deal Valets, Heineken UK, Affliction Tattoo Bathgate and Boghall Butchers.

Direct Savings is one of the UK’s leading national installer of high quality, innovative energy saving solutions, operating out of five bases – its Bathgate HQ, Perth, Peterhead, Milton Keynes and Bradford.

For more information on Direct Savings, please visit: http://www.directsavings-heating.co.uk/