Inverness hairdresser Chris Crook is aiming to be a cut above for cancer charity Marie Curie in gruelling trek through searing heat and red rocky terrain of the Grand Canyon and Zion Canyon near Las Vegas in Arizona
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A well-known Inverness barber is laying down his comb and scissors to cut a swathe through the Grand Canyon for a cancer charity.
Chris Crook, who has been a hairdressing mainstay in the city for 45 years, will tackle over 40 miles of the famous gorge and neighbouring Zion Canyon by foot to raise funds for Marie Curie.
As well as the rocky red gorge and vertiginous Arizona terrain, Mr Crook and fellow participants will endure searing desert temperatures on the guided trek after flying into Las Vegas.
He is motivated by the memory of a number of clients, friends and family who have battled cancer, some losing their lives, and was particularly keen to raise funds to support research into potential future treatments.
The week-long trip will feature five days of walking and camping, including one particularly spectacular day’s finish above the mighty Colorado River.
Mr Crook, who flew to the USA from London on Sunday before beginning the route today (Monday September 12), has already raised over £2700.
“It will be challenging, with each day filled with six to eight hour walks through rough terrain at approximately 37 degree heat and sleeping under the stars,” he said.
“I’m excited for it and hugely grateful to all those who have donated so far.”
Mr Crook began his hairdressing career in 1977 in Castle Street, mentored by his brother Ralph.
Having trained in London at the Allan International hairdressing school London, he opened Chris Crook Hairdressing for Men in 1981 in Castle Street - the first gents’ hairdresser in Inverness.
To date, he has completed over 100,000 cuts for clients including MPs, Lords and actors, including one unnamed French screen star who summoned him to Ledgowan Lodge in Achnasheen to trim his hair prior to hosting the French equivalent of the BBC’s Top Gear show.
The hairdressers is renowned for its continuity in staffing with his faithful team of four - Kathleen, Della, Eva and Gaile - having worked at Chris Crooks for a collective 87 years.
In 1991, Mr Crooks moved the barbers to the Crown area and established Connect Ladies Hairdressing in 2008, run by daughter Meaghan and Suzanne Ewing.
Mr Crook, who is a veteran of past marathons and other charitable events, added: “I am a proud Highlander and have loved watching Inverness grow over the years.
“I have especially enjoyed watching our neighbouring old Inverness Royal Academy building being developed into an arts venue.
“I have a great team and have been privileged to have so many amazing clients, many of whom have become great friends.
“We have a great community here in the Highlands and I’m proud to have built my business around it and to now be putting something back in to support a charity close to my heart.”
Donations can be made at
- www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Christopher-Crook1
With more information on the event available at:
https://www.ultimatechallenges.co.uk/challenges/north-america/marie-curie-
cancer-care-grand-canyon-trek/
