Charitable effort is cut above

May 30 2008 by Laurie Stocks-Moore, Chester Chronicle

Charitable effort is cut above

A CANCER patient had a close shave to fund research into his illness.

John Platt, 63, has bowel cancer and collected sponsorship money for Cancer Research UK by having his hair and beard trimmed on Sunday (May 25).

Only a couple of years ago, he used his flowing white locks to play Father Christmas.

But now Mr Platt, of Kensington Green, Chester, says: “I can’t get my shirt off easily, it catches on the stubble on my head.”

He is undergoing chemotherapy until June 30 which usually causes patients to lose their hair – but not in his case.

“I was given a list by the hospital of all the side effects and had none of them for a while,” he explained.

“Then I got red hands – I’d been so determined not to get any of them.”

Two years ago Mr Platt underwent surgery in the Countess and contracted MRSA on the base of his spine, affecting his nerves and blood supply.

And last year, he discovered he had cancer, shortly after going to the Countess of Chester Hospital for a hip replacement.

Mr Platt has raised more than £500 but is appealing for more.

Donations can be made in a collection bucket at the Co-operative store in Westminster Park or by contacting John at a.platt.261@btinternet.com