Make your body work for charity

We’ve seen it all at Justgiving over the past four years, but we’d never have guessed just how many people would use – or abuse – bits of their body to raise money for charity. Here are some examples of the weird and wonderful ways people have found to help good causes they care about using the Justgiving site.

Hair

It grows and then for some it falls out – how can that possibly be interesting? Well for thousands of men who decided to grow moustaches to raise money to help beat male cancers it became a source of fun, pride and extreme itching this September.
To see a couple of examples click here:
www.justgiving.com/klpeurorscg
www.justgiving.com/brmb

To find out more, go to the Everyman Campaign’s ‘Tacheback’ website.

One admirable young woman, Lucy Curry, recently said goodbye to her half-metre long dreadlocks to raise money for The Candlelighters Trust, which cares for children with cancer and their families.
"I just kept reminding myself of how much money Candlelighter's will get out of this. There's no way I would have backed out, especially when I know it'll grow back and I did this by choice while there are people with cancer who have no other options," said Lucy.
"45 minutes (and several photo opportunities!) after I first sat down, I stood up a head of hair lighter, knowing I'd done something special for a cause that really deserves it."
Have a look at the new-look Lucy at:
www.justgiving.com/lockslop

Feet

If you’re too fond of your hair – what about your feet? If you’re not so keen on them you could always try a firewalk. Several charities are now offering firewalks as a fundraising option for their supporters and Steve Cunningham and Anita Macaulay have both taken up the challenge.
www.justgiving.com/steves-firewalk
www.justgiving.com/anitasfirewalk

Tummies

Most of us have complained at one stage or another about the extra pounds we’ve gained through lack of exercise or the love of good food. Some people have taken the plunge and decided to fight their flab as a way of raising money for charity.
Jim Kreitman set himself an admirable challenge – not only did he promise to lose 11 Kg (more than 1 ½ stone), but he said he would double every pledge he received if he didn’t reach his target weight. Luckily he made it, and the Richard House Trust benefited by the tune of £11,000.
www.justgiving.com/slimjimcharitychallenge

Lungs

And while we’re thinking about how to use our bodies for charity, the lungs may not be the first thing you’d think of, but Rosey Nugent and Phil Middleton are both doing theirs a favour by giving up smoking. Not an easy challenge, but a great way for friends to encourage you to finally beat the habit.
"The (Justgiving) process worked a treat. What worked particularly well was that people from all over the world could access it and donate through the site," said Rosey, who is still not smoking, seven months after quitting.
www.justgiving.com/stopsmokingpledge
www.justgiving.com/trainboy_quits