Karen to brave the shave for Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice

Karen Bell, who works at Spar Kings Crescent, will be braving the shave at her workplace at 2.30pm on August 28.

Ahead of the kindhearted effort, the Rathfern resident stated: “This wonderful charity, like so many others, needs financial help to continue their much-needed work in these uncertain times.

“I have wanted to shave my hair off for a charity for a while and after discussing with my family and colleagues, it was agreed that the task would finally be set and the money would be collected!

“Fundraising buckets are already gathering huge amounts of money at Spar Kings Crescent but for anyone who cannot visit the store, I invite you to drop a wee virtual donation (no matter how small).

“All donations are greatly appreciated and will be put to good use at the Hospice. My Store Manager Kerri has agreed to be a barber for the day and shave off my hair.”

Karen’s daughter, Kirsty, explained how her mum was wanting to support the worthy cause after a turbulent few years for her family.

Speaking to the Times, Kirsty said: “My granny Jean (my mum Karen’s mum) had a brain aneurysm and then a stroke on the same day four years ago and for the last four years we have helped look after her, but things got a lot harder for us as a family when my Granda Billy (my mum Karen’s stepdad) died two days before Christmas last year.

“As a small family we have had to really step up and do a lot to help out with my granny!

“After a really horrible start to the year with my Granda, we didn’t think things could get any worse and then lockdown/Covid happened.

“My mum has worked in Spar throughout the whole lockdown, as has my stepdad Mark in Tesco, so between work and looking after my granny they have barley seen family or had anytime at all for themselves.

“Even through all of this my mum still decided she wanted to find a way to help out and raise money for a charity whose donations have been impacted by the current times we are going through and the Children’s Hospice is an incredibly worthy charity.”

An online fundraising page has been set up to collect money.

If you would like to make a donation, click here

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