Updated on Dec 6th 2011 at 5:37 PM from the JustGiving API

Thank you all for you messages of hope and friendship, means alot at this horrible time. Much love

Updated on Oct 2nd 2011 at 7:47 PM from the JustGiving API

Guys, you have all been amazing. Keep it coming...

On January 1st 2011, I will be shaving off my beard and mustache completely...... then I will not shave again until January 1st 2012.  I want people to sponsor me £1 a week to do this, so I can raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice in Ashton Under Lyne.  

http://www.willowwood.info

Willow Wood Hospice have been an amazing help to my wife Joan, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2007.  Joan originally had breast cancer, yet was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in her bones in September 2007.  Through the wonderful people at Willow Wood Hospice, after Joan underwent major surgery to her right leg in October 2007, they helped her to walk again through extensive hydrotherapy over a number of months.  She has also been attending the Day Hospice there, where she receives emotional and practical support to deal with her terminal illness. She has recently been told that her treatment is not working, so she will undergo harsh IV chemo over the next few months to try and get her cancer under control.

It currently costs just over £2 million per year to run Willow Wood Hospice, but no charge is made for any of their services.  Only a small percentage of that money is given by the local health authority, so fundraising plays a major part in keeping the Hospice going. This is where you come in.  I am aiming high with a target of £10,000 but this money will go to helping people just like my wife. If you give just £1 per week, that will be £52 over the year - if 200 people pledge this amount, then I will have smashed my target.  You don't have to pay it all up front, a weekly or monthly contribution would be AMAZING.... How much of us will miss £1 a week? That won't even cover the milk that goes in your brews each week!! I will be taking a photo each day to collate in a video, to show the growth of hair as it happens.... A few weeks before the Big Shave 2012, I will be taking requests for what type of facial topiary people want to see.... Some examples are excellently shown by this man here: http://www.dyers.org/blog/beards/beard-type-chart/  My progress will also be documented on the Facebook group - http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_113554685380936&ap=1  (Search for Mat's Charity Beard on FB)

Lump sums are also awesome!!  If you don't want to sort out £1 a week into this and would prefer to make a one off payment of however much you can afford, this would be great!!!  Just click the Donate Now button below!!!!

Willow Wood Hospice needs people like you to help people like my wife.  The work they do there is incredible for people with life debilitating illnesses....please give as much as you can to this worthy cause.

 

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