Newtownabbey man braves the shave for charity

Stephen Watt who now lives in Armagh, raised £2,004 for Macmillan Cancer Care Support after he took part in the ‘Brave the Shave’ campaign.

The former Ballyclare High School pupil grew his beard and moustache for the event, before having them shaved off for the fundraising effort.

He recently visited the Mandeville Unit, the Southern Trust’s specialist cancer-care unit, to donate £1003.00 of the money he had collected to the staff there.

Stephen received treatment for cancer himself, and wanted to raise funds to help others who were diagnosed with the illness.

“I was once diagnosed with bowel cancer, but the treatment, care and support I received from the staff at Craigavon Hospital, the Mandeville unit and Macmillan has been first rate.

“On completion of my treatment, I wanted to give something back to ensure the people that follow me are able to receive the same care and support. Also after a year of a hairy top lip it was able to feel the fresh air for a good cause,” he said.

Stephen thanked his wife Denise and daughter Laura for all their support. He also sent a huge thank you to all those who supported him and donated to these worthy causes, particularly the staff at Stena Line and Belfast City Hospital.