Scone pensioner Hugh Henderson, aged 91, took part in a fundraising event for Myeloma UK by bravely shaving off his hair and eyebrows. The event, held at a Perth Baptist Church coffee morning on February 1, aimed to raise funds for the blood cancer charity. Hugh’s motivation for participating in the fundraiser stemmed from his late wife, Anne, who tragically passed away the previous year. Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and currently impacts over 24,000 individuals in the UK, with 2000 cases reported in Scotland. Sadly, more than 3000 people lose their lives to this cancer each year.
Hugh shared that his wife, Anne, had been a dedicated volunteer for Myeloma UK for over 15 years before being diagnosed with the disease herself in 2018. In honour of her memory and to support the cause she held dear to her heart, Hugh decided to undergo the hair and eyebrow shave. The task was carried out by Hugh’s long-time friend and ex-hairdresser, Vicky Aitken, who expressed her delight in finally being able to trim his eyebrows after two decades.
Matt Wynes, the director of fundraising at Myeloma UK, expressed immense gratitude towards Hugh for his selfless contribution to the charity. He highlighted the significance of voluntary donations and fundraising efforts in supporting Myeloma UK’s research for new treatments and patient support services. The Perth Baptist Church coffee morning not only raised funds for the charity but also donated a portion of the proceeds to the Haematology department at Perth Royal Infirmary.
To further support Hugh’s fundraising initiative, a JustGiving page has been set up for donations. Additionally, the Perth Myeloma Support Group holds regular meetings at Perth Baptist Church for individuals seeking information and assistance related to myeloma. For more details about myeloma and how to engage with Myeloma UK, visit www.myeloma.org.uk or contact 0800 980 3332.
Insights and Summary:
Hugh Henderson’s inspirational act of shaving his hair and eyebrows to raise funds for Myeloma UK exemplifies the power of community support in combating critical health issues. His dedication to honouring his late wife’s legacy and contributing to vital cancer research serves as a poignant reminder of the impact individuals can make through charitable initiatives. The collaboration between local communities, charitable organisations, and healthcare institutions underscores the collective efforts needed to address the challenges posed by diseases like myeloma. Such initiatives not only raise awareness but also provide essential resources for advancing research, supporting patients, and enhancing healthcare services.