Rugby fan Marion Courtney, 90, of Harleston, is having her head shaved to raise money for Christian Aid’s Refugees Crisis Appeal. The fundraiser will take place at a local pub ahead of the England v Wales rugby match.
Marion is a member of St John’s Church in Harleston and is well known for her fundraising in the town. She felt she wanted to do more for refuges in Syria and Europe. She remembers the refugees after the Second World War and wanted to do something which would raise more money than she can give personally.
Marion said, ’Having seen the plight of the children and their families in Syria and remembering the exodus of the Jewish people from Germany, the troubles in Syria are the greatest that this generation has known. I want to help people.’
Marion’s vicar, Rev Nigel Tuffnell says,’Marion is always smart and well dressed with her hair perfect, so for her to have her head shaved is truly extraordinary. Marion is loved by all in St John’s and by so many people as well as by the shops and businesses in Harleston. I am hugely impressed by the depth of Marion’s faith and her courage to act on it in this way.’
Julian Bryant, Regional Coordinator for Christian Aid says, ‘I think Marion might be the oldest person to have a head shave for Christian Aid. She is a kind and generous person and an inspiration to others. She has invited her family to watch this happen. I hope people will give generously to help. It will also be such an encouragement to Marion. Financial donations can help provide more much-needed basic essentials, including nourishing food, warm blankets and healthcare. These are so important as winter comes. Marion’s fundraising will make a difference.’
Marion’s JustGiving Page: www.justgiving.com/Marion-Courtney
Marion will have her head shaved at the Swan Hotel, The Thoroughfare, Harleston IP20 9AS at 7.30pm on Saturday 26th September.
Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed in Syria’s conflict and 50% of the Syrian population is now displaced, with more than 4.1 million people forced to seek safety outside the country.Christian Aid has funded organisations working in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon with refugees and the displaced for several years providing communities with food, bedding, hygiene kits and health services. In Lebanon and Iraq our partners are also working to provide psycho-social support to children and women in need.
In Europe, Christian Aid’s partners in the Act Alliance, a global coalition of more than 130 churches and church-related organisations that work together in humanitarian assistance, are providing emergency relief in Greece, Serbia and Hungary.
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