January 2010: Former World Featherweight Boxing Champion Barry McGuigan recently visited Jason Shankey Lisburn Road to set a hair-raising challenge for the people of Northern Ireland – Be Bold Go Bald ­– to raise money for families affected by childhood cancer.

Children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent has partnered with The St Baldrick’s Foundation, a U.S. based charity that raises money for childhood cancer research primarily through head-shaving events. To encourage fundraisers across Northern Ireland to organise their own head shave events, Barry, a CLIC Sargent Patron, took charge of the clippers at a Belfast hair salon on Friday and shaved local man Bill Ireland’s head. Money raised through these sponsored events will go towards childhood cancer research, which will benefit children across Northern Ireland.

Bill’s nine-year-old son, Philip, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in December 2007. Philip and his church were keen to organise a head shave event but sadly he passed away before the event took place. Philip’s family decided to continue with the mass head shave in Willowfield Church last year to raise money for CLIC Sargent, and thank the charity for their support during his treatment.

Barry McGuigan says, “Like Bill, I know first hand the vital support CLIC Sargent provides for families affected by childhood cancer. CLIC Sargent helped my family when my daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of 11 and I’ve been involved with the charity ever since.

“I’m looking forward to hearing just how many people have taken up the challenge to Be Bold Go Bald! You can hold any type of head shave event - whether it’s an individual parting with their lovingly-grown tresses or a group of mates wanting to go bald together,” adds Barry.

A free information pack is available for anyone wanting to organise their own head shave event and a local CLIC Sargent fundraiser will also get in touch to offer help and advice.

Katie Setterfield, CLIC Sargent’s Area Fundraising Manager for Northern Ireland says, “We’re delighted to have Bill and Barry’s support in encouraging people to host their own head shave events. We are proud to have partnered with the St Baldrick’s Foundation, who has 10 years experience of running these types of events. Every penny raised can really help to make a difference to children and young people with cancer, and their families.”

Each week in Northern Ireland two children or young people are diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia.  CLIC Sargent is committed to delivering services to children and young people, and their families, in Northern Ireland. The charity funds social workers, a youth development worker, a clinical psychologist and a play specialist to support families affected by childhood cancer in Northern Ireland.

To find out more about setting up a sponsored head shave visit www.stbaldricks.org or contact the fundraising office on 028 90 725780.

CLIC Sargent

• For more information about this fundraising initiative please contact Katie Setterfield on 028 90 725780 or email katie.setterfield@clicsargent.org.uk
• For any media enquiries relating to CLIC Sargent please contact Ruth Bowen in the press office on 0117 314 8617 (direct line) or 0117 314 8653 or email ruth.bowen@clicsargent.org.uk
• Every week in Northern Ireland two families are told their child has cancer. Diagnosis often comes as a shock. Treatment usually starts straightaway and can last up to three years. As the children cancer’s charity, CLIC Sargent is there… with clinical, practical and emotional support, every step of the way.
• For more information visit www.clicsargent.org.uk or call the Child Cancer Helpline on 0800 197 0068.
• Note to Sub Editors: Please note that the name ‘CLIC Sargent’ should not be abbreviated to CLIC, and that the word ‘CLIC’ should always appear in capitals, as above.  

The St Baldrick’s Foundation

• The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a U.S. based charity that raises money worldwide for childhood cancer research primarily through head-shaving events. The Foundation makes grants to research institutions to find new cures for childhood cancer, and to find treatments to ensure a better quality of life for patients and survivors. The Foundation funds the research of established pediatric cancer experts, as well as the training of younger professionals who will be the experts of tomorrow. St. Baldrick’s funds also enable more children to be treated on clinical trials, their best hope for a cure.
• The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is excited to partner with CLIC Sargent to Shave the Way to Conquer Kids’ Cancer in the United Kingdom.
• For more information about the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, visit www.StBaldricks.org.