STAFF of a dale archaeology company have raised more than £3,000 for a cancer charity in memory of their former director.
Respected archaeologist Richard Fraser, 58, who founded Northern Archaeological Associates (NAA), on Harmire Enterprise Park, died in January from a rare brain tumour.
Since then his colleagues have completed activities to raise cash for Brain Tumour Research.
In their latest effort Dr Hannah Russ is to have her about 60cm hair cut. Her hair will be donated to the Princesses Trust to make wigs for cancer victims and cash from sponsors will go to the research charity.
Others in NAA recently successfully completed a Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge and, along with a Christmas card drive. Their goal of raising £3,000 in the year has already been reached.
Dr Russ said: “It is really impressive. I had no idea we would reach these kind of numbers. Our target has already been reached. Everyone has been really generous.”
So successful have the archaeologists been that they have now doubled their target to £6,000.
Each year the archaeologists raise cash for a different charity that is close to their hearts, Dr Russ said.
Speaking about Dr Fraser, she said: “He was a real pillar in the archaeological community. Richard started our business in Barnard Castle in 1990. Since then it has grown to provide more than 40 permanent jobs, and carries out work on significant archaeological sites across the region.”
One of the larger contracts was the widening of the A1 at Leeming Bar and Scotch Corner. Dr Russ described how Dr Fraser would discuss finds and plans with her on a daily basis.
She said: “It [his death] had a real impact, not only on me, but on everyone. He was like a mentor to us.”
The length of her hair means Dr Russ can have it cut twice at two different lengths to donate to the Princess Trust.
The cut was due to take place at Hair Studio, on Galgate, this week.
People who would like to contribute to the fundraising effort can visit justgiving.com/fundraising/northern-archaeological-associates4.
