A RETIREMENT complex boss has had her head shaved by her husband to raise hundreds of pounds for charity.

Sharon Pearson waved goodbye to her locks on August 13, as husband, Derek, took control of the clippers in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support (see images).

Sharon and Derek work for FirstPort, which manages Dunbar’s Belle-Vue Court retirement homes, built on the site of the former Bellevue Hotel on Queen’s Road.

Sharon, 62, has been the development manager there for almost a year and lives on site.

She said: “I wanted to raise funds and awareness for the charity as close friends and family of mine have experienced diagnosis, treatment and remission.

“I decided to involve my husband and the residents at Belle-Vue Court by asking him to shave my head at the weekly coffee morning.”

Derek, who provides relief cover for other FirstPort managed retirement properties, was happy to do his bit.

Roger Bodden, head of FirstPort Scotland, attended the head shave at Belle-Vue Court, which is home to more than 50 people aged between early 60s and mid 90s.

He was delighted with the £815 raised and congratulated the couple.

He said: “It’s fantastic that Sharon and Derek have created an event at Belle-Vue Court, which sees residents come together to enjoy a coffee morning with fabulous home baking, and on a more serious note, raise funds for an amazing cancer charity like Macmillan Cancer Support. We are immensely proud of them both.”

Macmillan Cancer Support provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer. It also looks at the social, emotional and practical impact cancer can have, and campaigns for better cancer care.

Mr Bodden added: “Although it was a really happy event with many laughs and much fun, it was a hugely poignant moment when Derek started to shave Sharon’s hair, and the room fell silent as we all sat and reflected the reality of those affected by this disease which has impacted on so many of our lives and those dear to us.

“Special mention goes to the ladies who prepare tea and coffee at these events, Moira who makes the most fabulous meringues and all the generous people who have donated to Sharon’s fundraiser which has reached an impressive £815.”