Hairy supporters go through pain barrier

BRAVE charity supporters in Milford Haven have set themselves a series of hairy challenges by undertaking leg waxing, head shaving and beard growing fundraisers.

The courageous group of five, led from the front by organiser Robert Hoggins, grinned and bearded at it to raise funds for Meningitis Now – the UK’s leading meningitis charity. They hope to raise £200 towards its work fighting the disease on all fronts.

The leg waxing and head shaving took place at Beautylicious Beauty Salon in Milford Marina on Wednesday, November 20. But to compensate for the hair that some will be losing others in the group, based around local parent group Milford Adventure, have been going in for beard growing during the month of November.

Robert, 47, from Milford Haven, is a staunch supporter of the charity and rose over £300 for it by having his head shaved last year.

He said: “My cousin Hannah sadly passed away from meningitis last year. As a parent I feel it is vital to raise awareness and money so that we can protect people in the future.”

Krysia Jarzebek-Darma, Meningitis Now’s community fundraiser for Wales, said: “We’re really grateful to Robert and the rest of the group for all their efforts on our behalf and we wish them well with their challenges.

“We rely entirely on the generosity of individuals to continue our vital work – searching for vaccines, supporting anyone affected by meningitis with free professional services and raising lifesaving awareness of the disease and its symptoms.

“For the many people who have been, and continue to be, affected by meningitis, and for those who will sadly be affected in the future, Meningitis Now is a lifeline. Support like this ensures that this lifeline can continue.”

Each year around 3,400 cases of meningitis are reported in the UK, 10% of these are fatal and 15% of survivors are left with devastating after-effects. Meningitis can strike anyone, at any time and the winter months are the peak season for the disease.

If you would like to support Robert’s efforts please visit Hannah’s tribute fund page at http://meningitisnowforeverfunds.tributefunds.com/fund/Hannah+Gwilliam/showFund/ to contribute.