Mother to raise money for 52 charities in 52 weeks
It all started with a charity head shave and now a mother of four is going all out on her fundraising drive and has embarked on a challenge to raise money for 52 charities in 52 weeks.
Marie Hayden, 35, loves giving cash to good causes but decided her fundraising efforts weren't up to scratch, despite holding various coffee mornings and other events.
As a result the salon owner made a New Year's resolution to help 52 well-known and lesser-known charities.
She has already raised thousands of pounds for organisations including Help for Heroes, Macmillan, Rugeley Cats Society and food banks across Staffordshire and said she would like to see others helping out charities.
She said: "I love to help people and I have always tried to help out where I can and encourage others to do the same.
"In 2005 I shaved my hair off for Cancer Research UK and it all went from there because then I started fundraising as much as I could.
"This new challenge is all about getting people to think not just about the big charities but the little ones also and recognising that every little helps."
So far, Miss Hayden who runs at Florida Sun Tanning and Beauty in North Street, Bridgtown, has collected blankets for dogs homes and organised events including a ladies night at the Aquarius Ballroom in Hednesford on June 26 and a 52-mile walk on September 26.
A variety show will also be held at the Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock on June 30 to raise money to send the local girl guides group to India.
Miss Hayden, who is also a girl guides volunteer, added: "I love to be busy and putting on events because they bring the community together and they raise cash for good causes."
"There is a lot of stress that comes along with organising them but it is definitely worth it."
To get involved with Miss Hayden's challenge visit her Facebook page 52 challenges in 52 weeks or call 07973 887647.
