Going the extra mile to raise cash for a charity working with Leeds hospitals

Twenty-six men came together, virtually, to shave their heads after the country went into lockdown as part of the fight against coronavirus.

The idea came about when Stuart Moore, of Garforth, realised that he, like many of his friends, would be in need a trim after the barbers closed.

So they shaved their heads and donated the cost of a haircut to Leeds Cares, raising hundreds of pounds for the deserving cause.

Throughout the day, friends posted before and after photos and videos in Stuart’s Facebook event ‘Skinhead for NHS’ showing off their new looks to raise funds for Leeds Teaching Hospitals.

Mr Moore said: “None of us have ever experienced circumstances like these, it was a no brainer for us to all (virtually) come together and support our hospitals when they need it most.”

The money raised will go towards Leeds Cares’ ‘Support Your NHS Hospitals’ Appeal and provide vital support to frontline staff at Leeds Teaching Hospitals.

This includes paying for care packages, assistance with travel and accommodation where needed, as well as helping to fund other health and wellbeing initiatives to boost morale across the wards.

Meanwhile, an ultra-marathon runner is putting his best foot forward for Leeds Cares after several running events planned for this year had to be cancelled or postponed.

Last year Neil Musgrove ran seven ultra-marathons and with none looking likely for this year he will run one in his back garden. He is doing a mile a day in his garden and hoping to reach his goal of the 30 mile starting distance for an ultra marathon by the end of April.

For every mile completed, Neil is donating £5 and hopes that friends and family will join in with the challenge at their own homes and donate after every mile completed.

He said: “Any experience I've had with Leeds Hospitals in the past has been positive, I want to support all of our amazing NHS staff who are currently under huge pressure and working in extremely tough circumstances.

"My young niece and nephew have already got involved and I’m hoping to get my own kids involved too. I'm sharing the challenge with my colleagues and running club

team-mates so hopefully lots of us will get involved.”

Leeds Cares

Leeds Cares is the official charity partner of Leeds Teaching Hospitals and raises funds for equipment, services, education and research.

Leeds Cares works collaboratively with all of the hospitals across Leeds (including Leeds Cancer Centre, Leeds Children’s Hospital, St James’ University Hospital and Leeds General Infirmary) to identify charitable projects and causes.

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