Linda Marshall, Branch Supervisor of Coatshill Scotmid on Coatshill Avenue, bravely shaved her head on Saturday 13 April to raise funds for Maggie’s Centres.
Linda was inspired by her own family’s experience with cancer to undertake the challenge to support Maggie’s, Scotmid Co-operative’s charity of the year.
With help and support from the team at Scotmid Coatshill, Linda organised for local hairdressing salon, DM Hair and Beauty, to shave her head, which was packed with well-wishers as she took to the barber’s chair.
To raise funds on the day, Linda and the team held a tombola, raffle and an auction, with prizes donated by local businesses, suppliers and customers, and arranged for the local fire station to bring a fire engine to visit the store. Linda also sold tags for a special balloon release in memory of loved ones, which people could personalise with their own message. Linda has raised over £1,700 so far, well above her £200 target, with donations still coming in.
Linda said: “I lost my own Mother, Father and Father-in-law to cancer, so raising funds for cancer support is a cause that is very close to my heart.”
She added: “It was an absolutely fantastic day. I can’t thank my family, friends, or the Blantyre community enough for supporting me and coming along on the day. The day would not have been possible without the help and donations from the local community, our customers and the local businesses and suppliers. I’d like to also give a big thank you to the girls in the store for all of their help and for giving up their free time. Everyone really got behind me to help and raise as much for Maggie’s as possible and I’m very glad I did it.”
Malcolm Brown, Head of Corporate Communications for Scotmid Co-operative said: “Linda’s bravery is truly inspiring and we are very proud of her for undertaking this challenge to raise funds for Maggie’s.”
Maggie’s is Scotmid Co-operative’s charity partner for 2012/2013 and to date the Society has raised over £144,000. To support Linda’s head shave, visit: http://www.justgiving.com/lindasheadshave