Highland staff and patients back Beards for Bairns

Nursing staff and young patients are asking individuals, businesses and groups to ditch the razors this winter to raise money for local sick children.

The ARCHIE Foundation is calling on workplaces, sports teams and families to get involved in Beards for Bairns, which sees men grow or style a beard from Christmas Day to Burn’s Night and get sponsors to help raise as much money as possible.

Women can also get in on the fun – not by growing a beard – but by nominating mates to take part.

If the nominee chooses to accept, their nominator is asked to donate to kickstart their fundraising. If the nominee declines, they’re asked to donate to ARCHIE as a forfeit.

Ahead of the campaign, ward staff have pledged their support to the initiative which is raising money for the official charity of the Highland Children’s Unit.

Nurse Darren Pentecost was nominated by young patient Kenzie Stewart to take up the challenge.

He said: “I’ve already got a beard but I’m sure I can do something a bit wacky with it. It’s to raise money for charity of course, so how could I refuse?

“I might try and grow it as long as I can. Maybe down to my knees – but I’ve only got a month so I’ll see how I get on.”

Darren also encouraged other men across the Highlands to get involved, adding: “What better way to help fundraise than simply growing a Beards for Bairns?

“It shows small ways to fundraise can help make a big difference to young people who will benefit from specialist child-friendly spaces.”

Around £30,000 was raised in last year’s initiative and ARCHIE’s Emily Findlay is hoping to see similar results this time round.

She said: “Beards for Bairns is back for 2019 and we want people across the region to get involved.

“It’s so simple: grow or style a beard for one month from Christmas Day to January 25 and raise money for sick children.

“You can sign up individually or as part of a team of workmates or friends by visiting archie.org/beardsforbairns.

“All money raised will stay here in Highland to support local children and their families.”
Anyone looking for more information should email hello@archie.org.