By Paul Crute

Last updated at 12:55, Friday, 05 October 2012

A care home worker and her husband had their heads shaved this week to raise money for charity.

Liz and Andrew Dixon

Liz Dixon, 48, social and leisure organiser at Dalton Court care home, on Europe Way, Cockermouth, and her husband Andrew, had their heads shaved to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

They originally hoped to raise £500 but the support of friends, family and work colleagues means they have so far collected £800 and now hope to reach the £1,000 mark.

Andrew donated his long hair to the Little Princess Trust so it can be used to make wigs for children with cancer.

The couple, from Cleator Moor, decided to raise money for the society after Andrew’s mother Betty suffered from dementia.

Liz said: “I feel relieved more than anything. I was so nervous before it happened and my stomach was in knots.

“It is for such a good cause and everybody has been so supportive which made it easier.

“Once Andrew had his ponytail chopped off I couldn’t back out.

“We have a personal history with dementia but we also feel the Alzheimer’s Society does not get the public awareness it deserves.

“The condition affects a large number of people and not all of them are elderly.”

The couple had their heads shaved by Haley Hamilton, who runs a mobile hair and beauty business and also cuts the hair of residents at the home.

Liz added: “We tried to think of something we could do that people at the home could participate in by watching.

“Andrew had a lot more hair than me so it has been dramatic for him but people have been surprised that I have done it as well.”

Andrew, who works at the Rural Payments Agency in Workington, said: “I was a bit apprehensive before the start but I am more proud of Liz because I think it is much braver for a woman to get her head shaved than a man.”

First published at 11:29, Friday, 05 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk