Gavin gives up close shave for ARCHIE
Culloden businessman Gavin Newlands has discarded his razor for one month for a second year running to help raise money for the Raigmore Children’s Unit Appeal.
Mr Newlands is among the dozens of men across the region who have taken up the Beards for Bairns sponsored challenge which began on Christmas Day and finishes on Burns Night.
The proceeds will go towards the appeal launched by the ARCHIE Foundation in conjunction with The Inverness Courier in a bid to create a more family-friendly and child-centred department at Raigmore Hospital.
Thanks to overwhelming public support, the appeal reached the initial £1 million target in October — six months earlier than expected — so the push is now on to raise a further £1 million to develop a self-contained unit where most children’s hospital services would be delivered.
Mr Newlands, who runs Highland Good Food Company, a mobile delicatessen, raised almost £300 by growing a beard during last year’s inaugural challenge but is hoping to better the total this year.
"I said I would not do it again but I was badgered into it by my wife and daughter!" the 51-year-old said. "I got a good growth last year so I am going for a full beard again."
Mr Newlands and his wife, Wendy, of Lochlann Road, have a 24-year-old daughter, Lynsey, who was admitted to the children’s ward on two occasions as a youngster for minor procedures.
"The staff were fantastic," he said. "This is a way of giving back to something which is not only for Inverness but the whole of the Highlands."
He has also persuaded three members of Inverness-based Williamson Food Group to join him in the challenge.
Managing director Gary Williamson, who is growing his first ever beard at the age of 48, is taking part along with customer services manager Martin Goddard (50) and Stuart Fraser (22), a member of the sales team.
Mr Williamson revealed that an element of rivalry over who will grow the best beard is already creeping in. "I think Gavin is leading the way," he conceded.
More than 80 men across the Highlands took part in last year’s Beards For Bairns Challenge, raising more than £10,200.
* Keep up to date with the appeal news and other fund raising events in The Inverness Courier.
