A fundraising appeal by North Yorkshire councillor Arnold Warneken has passed the £10,000 mark ahead of his charity beard shave at this weekend’s Tockwith Show.
The Green Party councillor, who represents the Ouseburn division, is shaving off the beard he has worn for decades to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support after his wife, Alex, was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer last month.
In a remarkable coincidence, the couple’s springer spaniel and Alex’s assistance dog, Daisy, was also diagnosed with breast cancer in the same week.
The pair, who live in Cowthorpe near Tockwith, have run Yorkshire’s first organic vegetable box scheme, Goosemoor Organics, for more than 30 years.
They are long-time supporters of Tockwith Show and have sponsored the Charlotte Memorial Trophy for the best ridden coloured horse for the past 20 years in memory of one of their horses.
Cllr Warneken admitted both he and his wife were apprehensive about the shave.
“Alex has never seen me without a beard. She agreed that it would be a good cause to shave it off for Macmillan.
“Obviously Alex is the brave one here. This has been a lot to absorb, and we both wanted something really positive to come out of the bad situation. We’ve so many friends who’ve had the support of this amazing charity.”
He said Tockwith Show was the perfect place for the fundraiser.
“We’ve been going to it almost as long as I’ve had my beard. I’m excited and terrified that I’ll be doing it in the main ring in front of all those people. But the heavy horses should keep us calm – they’re such wise creatures.”
Cllr Warneken also thanked the local businesses supporting the event.
“A big thank you to Fiona at Tocklocks Hairdressers who will be doing my big shave – and to Ouseburn Village Store who’ve donated some skincare products too.
“The community support has just been incredible – I can’t believe we’ve reached £10,000 so quickly. It would be fantastic if we could raise even more.”
The Big Shave will take place in the main ring at Tockwith Show with donations continuing to be accepted in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
To donate to the appeal, visit https://bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk and search for ‘Arnold Warneken‘.
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