Noel's London Marathon and 'Haircuts for Penny' story
Noel Halligan, Creative Director of Bristol-based hair salon NOCO Hair, has been supporting Penny Brohn UK for the last 3 years. In 2023 Noel is undertaking two very different fundraising feats on behalf of Penny Brohn UK; on Sunday 23rd April he’s taking on the London Marathon, as well as holding a ‘Haircuts for Penny Brohn’ Day at his salon earlier in the month, on Tuesday 4th April.
In his own words, Noel updates us on how his London Marathon training is going, and what he’s looking forward to most about crossing that finish line.
“It’s the best marathon in the world – a true celebration of running – it’s the one to do, isn’t it? I’ve done marathon’s, including the London Marathon, before, but not for a very long time. I had a phase of running in my 30’s, and I really started going for it just before COVID hit, but since haven’t really been able to do any. Might be something to do with having had two children!
Running has been great for my mental health, and this is a huge challenge for me to get back into it – but one that I’m more than ready for.”
So why support Penny Brohn UK? Well Noel can relate that relationship back to his hair salon too.
“A long-time client of mine, Pam James, is a volunteer at Penny Brohn UK. We got to talking about the incredible support the charity provides. A lot of the clients we see at the salon are going through cancer treatment and chemotherapy, many of those come in to have their hair cut short or heads shaved. These individuals would typically get a partner or a friend to shave their head at home. We’re able to give them a more pleasant and personal experience. They can come in and have it done with more privacy and dignity.”
It’s one of his clients, Claire Stewart, that Noel’s chosen to run the London Marathon in support of. She shared some words with Noel as to what the experience meant to her.
“After much worry pre-chemo about losing my hair, the time came to cut it and Noel and Team NOCO made it a much more pleasurable experience than it could have been. I can’t thank you enough.” – Claire Stewart
Finding time to train has been difficult for Noel over the recent weeks and months, “I’ve been trying to fit in training runs at the weekends to up my mile count – just last weekend I hit 18 miles so I’m feeling good about it all. I try and run with people where I can as the energy of running with people gets me going a lot more. I’ve got it down to quite a boring route, I find myself doing 5k laps of The Downs in Bristol – just to get the job done to be honest!”
But he has added motivation for completing the race this time round, in the form of his two children.
“The magic of the marathon and taking in the celebration of it all is one thing. I remember that feeling when you cross Tower Bridge, it truly brings you to tears. But this year, my children will be able to be there and my 4 year-old is now old enough to know exactly what’s happening. I can’t wait to cross that finish line and see their smiling faces and just gather them both up in a hug – I just know it’s going to be an emotional experience.”
Find out how Noel and the whole of Team Penny get on at this year’s London Marathon by following our updates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
‘Haircuts for Penny Brohn UK’ event @ NOCO Hair
On Tuesday 4th April, Noel and Team NOCO will be opening up the store for 3 hours (between 3-6pm) for a ‘Haircuts for Penny Brohn UK’ special event. There will be 6 stylists available on the day, with every penny raised going towards helping to support those living with cancer.
If you’re looking for a new hairstyle, are going through cancer treatment and or simply want the pamper experience with a head massage and shampoo – it’ll be a ‘headscarves’ off kind of afternoon. The afternoon will be a safe place for anyone affected by cancer, or those who wish to show their support.
Booking is essential, so make sure you get in touch with NOCO to secure your appointment today – email contact@nocohair.com or phone the salon on 01174030998.
We’d like to thank Noel for sharing their experience. The words used are preferred by Noel. Penny Brohn UK encourages everyone to use their own words to tell their story. If you have any questions about any of the language used, please email comms@pennybrohn.org.uk.