Thousands raised for Evelyn

Mags Crawford who is about the get her hair shaved. Looking on are Lauren and Suzanne Gillespie

Mother-of-two Evelyn Gillespie was diagnosed with the condition just four months ago and is in need of a bedroom, wet room and downstairs toilet built onto her home which is set to cost around £25,000.

Her daughter Lauren, a hairdresser at Chocolate, helped organise a special blow dry day on Sunday, March 13. Chocolate, Gloss and Co along with Bow Lane all opened their doors to help out.

The day ran from 8am to 11.30pm and some staff from other outlets throughout the city helped out in all three of the salons. Kube Hair, Hope Hair by Nadine and Chocolate.

“The blow dry day was a great fundraising day with was very successful and everyone was constantly busy throughout the day,” Lauren said. “A lot of friends came in to get their hair blow dried and some hairdressers came in to help out in other salons. We closed up eventually at 11.30pm.

“We really appreciate that staff who came out to help on their day off to help us raise money for our mummy.”

Fundraising events that have already taken place include Seymour Street Methodist Church Coffee Morning that raised over £1,000, Seymour Street Methodist Girls Brigade held a Teddy’s Bears Picnic and Pyjama Party - £311, B&M bag pack £777, Lambeg Lodge held a night - £600, Bondi Beach swim by Andy Montgomery - £500 and the Blow Dry Day - over £5,000 (Chocolate Hair Company - £3247. Gloss & Co £1,225 and Bow Lane Hairdressing £570).

Just Giving Page on Facebook raised over £3,000.

Some of the up and coming events that will be held throughout the year include a parachute jump - eight friends and family will take part in this event on Sunday, May 15. A Brave the Shave event with Mags Crawford, Belfast Marathon with Patrick McKittrick, Down Royal Golf Classic Friday, May 13, Coffee Morning at the Halifax Bank Tuesday April 12, Darts Competition on Saturday April 16.

Family and friends are also selling ballot tickets. This draw will take place after the golf day on Friday, May 13. Ballot tickets can also be purchased at Chocolate Hair Company.

Daughters Suzanne and Lauren would like to thank everyone who has helped out or who has purchased ballot tickets or has given prizes for the raffle.