After six months of growing his hair and beard, Ian Macaulay has gone under the razor for Manx Blind Welfare Society.
The Accounts Administrator at Target Tools had his beard and head – including his eyebrows – shaved at the Executive Barber Shop in Douglas on Saturday. He was raising funds for the Society in memory of his late father, Donald, who was supported by MBWS after losing his eyesight.
Ian’s initial fundraising target of ?200 has been smashed – so far more than ?900 has been received, with some donations still to be counted and money still coming in.
The 62-year-old grandfather said: ‘I have to admit I was a bit nervous ahead of the big day, but after the amazing amount of public support I couldn’t back out! I just wanted to show my appreciation for the work of the society, especially for the help it gave Dad, by raising a bit of money. I thought ?200 was an ambitious target, but people have been so generous that we’re already past the ?900 mark and there’s still money to be counted.
‘I’d like to thank everyone who has donated, including Target Tools and Corkill’s Garage, and especially Alison at the Executive Barber Shop for looking after me. I didn’t need to be nervous at all, and she has, as ever, done a great job.
‘I’m starting to get used to my new look, although I’m having to wear a hat to keep my head warm now.’
Manx Blind Welfare Society looks after the interests of more than 600 people with serious sight loss in the Isle of Man, providing a wide range of services and support for free. It relies entirely on bequests, donations and fundraising like Ian’s to continue its work.
Manx Blind Welfare Society Volunteers Coordinator & Events Organiser Debbie Thomson said: ‘Ian has done really well, and was very brave to have his head completely shaved. It was a brilliant and selfless thing to do, and has raised an incredible amount to support the Society’s work.
‘Ian has been working hard to bring in donations, and it has paid off with so much raised. We know there are more donations still to come in, and collection buckets to be collected and counted, so the final total will be much more than ?900 we think. Whatever the total is, Ian should be proud of what he’s done, raising money to support our work as well as helping raise awareness of the Society and what it does.’
To find out more about the work of MBWS, visit www.facebook.com/manxblindwelfaresociety
