AN eye-watering addition to a fundraiser’s incredible list of charity challenges proved to be a hair-raising experience.

Dan Hayes yesterday had his chest waxed, just one of 17 sponsored activities he is undertaking in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. The 31-year-old, of Clevelands Avenue, Barrow, is raising money in memory of well-known Walney driving instructor and musician, Gordon Cooney. Mr Cooney died last year aged 57, after battling MND.

In a show of solidarity, Mr Hayes was supported by his friend, Matt Forrester. The 30-year-old, who lives on the Gold Coast in Australia, agreed to get involved and have his waxing done while visiting Barrow.

Having watched Mr Forrester go first, and gleefully filmed live for Facebook by his wife Fern, Mr Hayes climbed up onto the table at Mirror Mirror salon in Barrow. As he waited for the first strip to come off, he admitted: “I think I’d have preferred to do another marathon.”

Soon Mr Hayes’ howls were filling the air, as he abandoned any hope of grinning and bearing it.

“Geez Louise, that nips”, he said, his teeth clenched around a lollypop.

“I did this a few years ago but I’d forgotten how painful it is. Why did I say I’d do this?”

Other charity challenges Mr Hayes has already completed in memory of Mr Cooney include the Keswick to Barrow, the London Marathon and the Manchester Marathon. Last week alone, he completed three half marathons in three days as part of the new Tidal Triple Series of organised runs in Barrow. On Friday he completed the Great North Swim in Windermere.

Coming up, Mr Hayes is yet to complete a sky dive, the Great North Run in Newcastle, Total Warrior, Tough Mudder and the Ulverston half marathon, as well as hosting a Clubland night on July 21. He admits he will probably end up doing more than his 17 for 2017 challenges.

He said: “I knew Gordon all my life, he used to do club nights with my dad, he taught me to drive, and he was a lovely guy, a great guy.

“We want to do everything we can to help everyone and anyone with motor neurone disease.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Dan-Hayes4 to help Mr Hayes, and fundraising partner Mathew Robson, meet their target.

Read more:

Pals on track to raise £17,000 in memory of much-loved Walney dad

Thousands of swimmers take plunge for lake challenge milestone

Marathon runners take to the Barrow coastline for inaugural event