£4,200... that’s the long and short of it

A BRAVE mum had her hair cut a little shorter than usual as she took part in a sponsored head shave and raised a bumper £4,200 for two charities close to her heart.

Anne Thornton, of Chadderton, had her long locks chopped off in front of a crowd of family, friends and supporters at the Whitegate Inn on Hollinwood Avenue as part of a bid to raise money for The Christie and Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The causes are special to Anne (58) as her brother, Martin Plowright, suffered from Motor Neurone disease and died in January at the age of 67 while Anne’s husband Bob has recently been diagnosed with cancer after previously being in remission.

Anne, a mother-of-three, said: “It was absolutely brilliant on the day. I couldn’t have asked for a better turnout as the pub was full of people to watch and support me.

“I have had such fantastic support from my friends, family and colleagues and it has meant a lot to me.”

Money was also raised through a raffle, which included prizes from big names such as Nando’s, Frankie and Benny’s, Smyths, Currys PC World, Argos, Asda, Tesco, Morrisons and Costco as well as other Chadderton stores. Anne was helped in her fund-raising efforts by her soon-to-be daughter-in-law Shaz Johnson, who took part in a four-hour spinning class in April.

Donations are still welcome at www.virginmoneygiving.com.