A grandfather from Andreas is to have his beard and all his hair shaved off to raise money for Manx Blind Welfare Society.
Ian Macaulay, the Accounts Administrator at Target Tools, has been growing his hair and beard since October 2015, and is looking for sponsorship before going under the razor in March.
The 62-year-old decided to raise funds in memory of his late father Donald, who lost his eyesight in the later years of his life.
He explained: ‘My father was a very proud and independent man who served with the Royal Navy as a marksman on a minesweeper during World War II. He later became a porter at the old Noble’s Hospital and continued working well into his old age. Unfortunately, he developed a condition which severely reduced his vision and, ultimately, left him blind.
‘Losing his sight threatened the quality of life he enjoyed, taking away his ability to work, garden, watch TV and even make a cup of tea for visitors. But he was determined to remain independent, and that is where Manx Blind Welfare Society’s support was invaluable. They were there with advice, services and equipment to help him adapt to his new life, stay in his own home and retain as much independence as possible.
‘The Society had a huge impact on Dad, and our whole family, so I really wanted to do something to say thank you in his memory.’
Ian is booked in for the hair and beard shave on 26th March at The Executive Barber Shop in Douglas, where owner Alison Whewell will do the honours.
He added: ‘This seemed like a fun way to raise money for the Society and raise awareness of the amazing work it does. I haven’t set a target, but I’m hoping lots of people will sponsor me. Many people have said they will donate because they know how important Manx Blind Welfare Society is, but plenty of others just want to see me with all my hair shaved off! I don’t mind why people sponsor me, as long as the money comes in.’
You can support Ian’s fundraising by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/f3675euk and making a donation.
Manx Blind Welfare Society Volunteers Coordinator & Events Organiser Debbie Thomson said: ‘We are always extremely grateful for any fundraising, as we rely entirely upon donations to fund our services and support to more than 600 people with serious sight loss here in the Isle of Man.
‘What makes Ian’s challenge especially meaningful is that it recognises the work of the Society and the direct impact it had on his dad when he was adapting to vision loss.
‘Our main aim is to help people with visual impairments to live their lives as independently as they choose, so it is always extremely rewarding to hear about the positive effect the Society has had, and what that has meant to a family.’
To find out more about the work of MBWS, visit www.facebook.com/manxblindwelfaresociety
Photo- Ian Macaulay, who is having his hair and beard shaved off to raise money for Manx Blind Welfare Society
