EMPLOYEES of a heating spares business in Basingstoke are celebrating after raising more than £1,200 for a local charity.

Plumbase, based in Knights Trade Park, raised money for St Michael’s Hospice as one of its staff did a sponsored head shave.

Assistant manager Mike Jones grew his hair and beard for two months after the fundraiser was announced in September and then shaved them off on December 16 just outside the Plumbase branch.

Mike said he was extremely happy to be at the centre of the fundraiser, but also feels very “cold” in this weather after he lost his hair.

SEE ALSO: Ted Baker opening in empty unit in Festival Place

“One of my colleagues was associated with St Michael’s Hospice. So we thought it was a good idea to choose them as a local charity. We know that a lot of our customers know of them and have had family members using their services.

“In September we decided that we were going to do it. We set ourselves the goal of raising £1,000. Once we reach the target, I would shave off my hair and beard. Part of the plan was that I wasn’t allowed to cut my hair before then. I just had to let it go.

“So we raised £1,000 and just before Christmas, I did it. We continued to raise money in the meantime and raised a few hundred more.

“This is purely done by customers who walked inside our business and we didn’t have any corporate sponsors. So it feels great so much money.”