Hairdresser names Alzheimer’s Research UK as charity of the year in memory of client

A family-run St Neots hairdresser has named Alzheimer’s Research UK as charity of the year in memory of a loyal client.

Penny Jarvis had been going to Saints Hairdressers for 12 years when she sadly died with Alzheimer’s disease in October 2016 at the age of 72.

The group of four team members– Sarah, her daughter Emma, Amy and Vicky, along with Sarah’s husband David, have already raised over £1,000 for dementia research in her honour.

They are planning a sponsored Mount Snowden climb on 8 May, which they are training for with regular team walks.

They are also holding a monthly raffle to win fabulous hampers filled with hair and beauty products and delicious selections of chocolates and sweets from Sweet Paradise – David’s sweet shop in St Neots.

Sarah, a grandmother-of-four who has owned Saints for 12 years, said:

“Penny had been a client for many years, just after we first opened. She was the sweetest, kindest person and always brought a ray of sunshine whenever she visited.

“She loved being pampered, having her hair and nails made beautiful by us and catching up on everyone’s news.

“We could see her struggling and each time she came in it was a little worse. Her partner Mike would bring her in and I like to think that we helped him too. It was beneficial for him to be able to leave her with us and go for a wander knowing that she was safe.

“Penny was a beautiful woman, she had a young, positive outlook on life and that has resonated with all of us.

“All of our regular clients know about our fundraising and why we are doing it. People have been so incredibly supportive and generous in their donations- it’s wonderful!”

“We chose Alzheimer’s Research UK because we want to see dementia stopped once and for all so that no one has to go through the tough times that Penny and Mike experienced together.”

To sponsor their walk, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/saints-hair-beauty or pop into the salon and purchase a raffle ticket.

Penny’s partner Mike Redgrave, who has lived in St Neots for 11 years, said:

“Penny and I were together for over 30 years.  She was a high-flying PA secretary when we met and we were lucky enough to share many happy years together.

“We lived on a narrow boat for some years and spent a wonderful 14 months living on a sailing boat in Mallorca, Spain. We travelled extensively together and made so many happy memories.

“I really appreciate everything Saints are doing. It really is wonderful to see how much of an impact Penny had on everyone. I hope one day no one has to know the word dementia.”

Jessica Sayer, Regional Fundraising Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

“We can’t thank Saints enough for selecting Alzheimer’s Research UK as their charity of the year, and for raising over £1,000 so far.

“In the UK there are 850,000 people living with dementia. Alzheimer’s Research UK is leading the charge to find treatments and preventions for dementia, which couldn’t be done without our generous supporters like Sarah, Emma, Amy, Vicky and David.”