Cancer charity boosted by big-hearted Kevin's 'hair-raising' year
A big-hearted Derry man who went a full year without shaving or cutting his hair for charity has finally returned to his former clean cut look after raising over £10,000.
Kevin McCafferty began his journey in Bennigan’s Bar on New Year’s Eve 2013 when he shaved his head and beard, pledging not to do so again for a full 12 months in order to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Research.
Kevin’s year-long ‘growathon’ came to end at the same bar (pictured above) where much to his and family’s relief, he returned to his former smooth look last seen a year ago.
And what a year it was for Kevin – after running a half marathon, numerous raffles, darts competitions, street collections and charity nights, he raised a total of £10,651.
Kevin stressed while his head may have been the focus of the campaign, there were many others involved in helping throughout the year.
“I’ve had such brilliant support from family and friends throughout the year and I couldn’t have done this without them,” he said.
“I’d also like to say thank you to the darts team at the Rocking Chair bar who all grew their beards out over the last four months, and also to Sir Declan Rigby, who gave me his support at the start of all this by not cutting his hair or shaving until St Patrick’s Day.
“There was a lot of work done behind the scenes by Sean Dunleavy and Mark Hegarty, and I’d also like to thank Paul Sweeney of Macmillan for their support.”
He added: “Of course, there’s also the Derry public, who gave so generously to us and helped us raise this fantastic amount of money.”
Kevin added that he was delighted that Macmillan will now benefit from the fundraising, given the help his sister received from them when she was battling cancer.
“They were brilliant and provided do much support to my sister Veronica McCafferty in her battle against breast cancer which she is now over five years clear of,” he added.
“Every day in Ireland Northern 25 people are diagnosed with cancer, and Macmillan Cancer Reseach have a target of £2.2 million to raise each year and they do not receive any government funding.
“So thank you one and all for the generosity and support you have shown over the past year and are continuing to do so. Happy New Year!”
He added: “I’d also like to pay tribute to John Leighton of Bennigan’s Bar and Orin Hegarty for providing us with such a great even on New Year’s Eve.”
Kevin is keeping the account open, so those wishing to donate money can still do so by going to www.justgiving.comkevinmccafferty1 .