A CHARITY fundraising initiative has gone to the heads of the public.

Sales rep Jim Smith launched a 'mass head shave' Just Giving page online, with the hope of raising about £200 for Manorlands.

But the venture is proving a soaraway success, with an estimated 50-plus people taking part so far – together raising over £3,600 for the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

And the scheme has even received a 'celebrity' endorsement, in the shape of a video from former Great Britain rugby league international Adrian Morley.

"The response has just been amazing," said Jim, 30, who works for B&W Plant Hire in Keighley.

"The concept is quite simple – you shave your head, post a photo on Facebook along with a link to the Just Giving page, donate and tag some mates to do the same thing.

"I had no idea of the momentum it would pick-up.

"Within just a few days it had raised £3,000 and the amount has kept rising. It's been incredible and I'm grateful to everybody who has given their support."

Jim, who lives at Cross Hills, chose to help Manorlands after Sue Ryder revealed that the hospice and the others it operates were facing closure within months due to a funding crisis.

With the charity's shops closed and fundraising events curtailed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, its income has dried-up.

Jim added: "Manorlands does such wonderful work and holds a special place in the hearts of so many people. I wanted to do something to help."

For more about the mass head shave and to take part, visit cA CHARITY fundraising initiative has gone to the heads of the public.
Sales rep Jim Smith launched a 'mass head shave' Just Giving page online, with the hope of raising about £200 for Manorlands.
But the venture is proving a soaraway success, with an estimated 50-plus people taking part so far – together raising over £3,600 for the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.
And the scheme has even received a 'celebrity' endorsement, in the shape of a video from former Great Britain rugby league international Adrian Morley.
"The response has just been amazing," said Jim, 30, who works for B&W Plant Hire in Keighley.
"The concept is quite simple – you shave your head, post a photo on Facebook along with a link to the Just Giving page, donate and tag some mates to do the same thing.
"I had no idea of the momentum it would pick-up.
"Within just a few days it had raised £3,000 and the amount has kept rising. It's been incredible and I'm grateful to everybody who has given their support."
Jim, who lives at Cross Hills, chose to help Manorlands after Sue Ryder revealed that the hospice and the others it operates were facing closure within months due to a funding crisis.
With the charity's shops closed and fundraising events curtailed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, its income has dried-up.
Jim added: "Manorlands does such wonderful work and holds a special place in the hearts of so many people. I wanted to do something to help."
For more about the mass head shave and to take part, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/jimmy-smith3.