Spartans assured of Easter scalp

Blyth Spartans fans are guaranteed to see another scalp at Croft Park on Easter Monday - as departing Programme Editor Glen Maxwell allows one of his closest friends to shave his head for charity.

Glen will make a "Fool" of himself in Blyth Spartans' Social Club on April 1 - following the completion of Spartans' clash with league leaders North Ferriby United - in order to raise money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

And the 23-year-old has asked Adam Clarke to hack away at his hair in memory of Adam's dad Mick, who lost his own battle with cancer in 2008.

"I'm really happy that Adam has agreed to do this for me, even though he didn't need much convincing," Glen joked. "He was the first person I spoke to about shaving my head and he's made no secret about wanting to be the person to do it.

"I don't have the biggest of families, but three generations of it have been affected by cancer. Thankfully, all of them were able to beat it, but - unfortunately - not everyone can say the same.

"Mick was a great man, who I had a lot of time and respect for. He always had a great anecdote to tell and he's still a big miss now, for everyone that knew him.

"Because of that, it just seemed appropriate to ask Adam to do the cutting."

And Adam was quick to step up the plate and accept the invitation, when asked.

He said: "When Glen asked me to be the one to shave his head - as simple a task as it sounds - I felt honoured and quite choked up.

"It means a lot to me that he has had my Dad in mind while planning this. Knowing my friends still think of him is very important to me, so for Glen to raise money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation in memory of him and for others who have suffered from this disease is truly special.

"My Dad was really fond of Glen too, so I know that he will be looking down and having a laugh. He'll be thinking what Glen is doing is great."

Glen and Adam first discussed the hair-brained scheme on a Christmas night out, but Adam didn't realise just how serious it would become at that time.

Adam explains: "When Glen first mentioned shaving his head, I imagined it would just be a few of us chucking some money in and doing it for a laugh at New Year.

"Even when he mentioned doing it properly for charity, I never thought it would result in a huge fundraising event. So, I think it's great how it's ended up and I'm really proud of him for raising so much money."

The amount of generosity shown for the event has also surprised Glen and he is hoping that the Blyth fans will continue to help with his fundraising efforts on the day.

Maxwell - who will take over the club's brand new BSAFCTV YouTube channel ahead of its launch next season - said: "The support I have had so far from my friends and family, the club, the foundation and the Spartans supporters has been amazing. When I first decided to do this, I never thought it would have taken off as much as it has.

"After getting a load of good-natured abuse about getting my hair cut, I decided to see if those same people would put their money where their mouth is. And - to be fair to them - most of them have and their generosity has far outweighed my initial expectations.

"In all honesty, I'd have been happy with raising any amount; be it £50 or whatever. So, the fact that I've already been sponsored for over £400 is unbelievable.

"Like I say, I don't have a particular target in mind. However, the fans at Blyth are as supportive as they come. So, I'm hoping they can channel that support into helping me raise as much money as possible on Easter Monday."

Collection buckets will be in use on the day and online donations can also be made at

www.justgiving.com/GlenMaxwell

.

The Social Club will also be open all day, for anyone wanting to come down to see the head shave take place after 5pm.