HAIR raising pain helped care home worker John Drury collect over £400 for elderly residents living with dementia.
The deputy manager of The Beeches Care Home, in Stockton on Tees, had his legs waxed to raise the funds.
He was joined by brother Paul and father-in-law Damien Brewster for the painful challenge – which saw residents getting involved ripping the strips.
John said: “I know it’s a bit extreme having your legs waxed.
“We had a few comments from female colleagues but we all decided to step up and do it for the good of the residents.
“It was a painful experience but well worth it as our goal is to change the lives of the residents.
“We’re still collecting the sponsor money but, so far, we’ve collected over £400, which will be added to the total already raised for the sensory room.”
Resident Laura Nelson, 93, was one of those who ripped a wax strip off John’s legs. She said: “I’ve never done anything like this.”
Laura’s daughter, Julie Robison, added: “Mum really enjoyed having a go at waxing John’s legs.
“I thought the event was very well organised. It’s great to see the funds raised will help towards the future sensory room.”
The funds will be used to buy equipment for the home’s specialist facility for those with dementia, including projectors, bubble lights and empathy dolls.
Helen Wood, home manager of The Beeches Care Home, on Green Lane, said: “We consulted with the residents and their families and decided that, to enhance the quality of life of the residents whose dementia is at a more advance level, we would create a sensory room.
“We worked out the overall cost of the furnishings and specialist equipment and have been fundraising for much of the year.
“Staff members and their families, relatives and members of the community have been fantastic in their support of this goal.
“I can only thank John and his family members for really going the extra mile to add to the total raised so far.”