THREE ice hockey stars went to great pains to help a young Renfrewshire woman raise money for a cancer charity while she goes through chemotherapy.
The players may need to be tough guys on the ice, but they winced more than a few times when they got their legs waxed as part of the Glasgow Clan’s fundraising effort for 20-year-old Alix Maitland.
The student nurse, from Paisley, hadn’t been showing any symptoms and was shocked when doctors gave her the devastating news that the pea-sized lump in her neck was Stage Four Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer that had spread to her neck, chest, spleen and bones.
But despite going through gruelling chemotherapy sessions, Alix – who is one of the flag bearers who skate around the Braehead Arena ice rink before a Clan game – decided to raise money for the Lymphoma Action charity.
As well as the Clan players – Canadians Drew McLean and Gary Haden along with American Jeff Solow – taking part in the sponsored leg shave, Clan bosses have also dedicated their home game against Manchester Storm on Sunday, February 19 at Braehead Arena to raising money for Lymphoma Action.
The Clan players will wear limited edition hockey jerseys that are specifically designed to promote Alix’s fundraising efforts. Fans can then bid to own the tops when they are auctioned after the match with all profits going to the Lymphoma Action charity.
There will also be a bucket collection at the Arena during the game and information leaflets about Hodgkin’s Lymphoma will be handed out to raise awareness about the disease and its early symptoms.
After having his legs waxed by Clan physio Kirsty Rodgers with equipment and wax provided by Glasgow’s Waxed at Hair in the City beauty salon, defenceman Drew McLean said: “The pain was a lot worse than I expected and it’s the first time I remember seeing my legs without any hair!
“But it was certainly worth going through the leg waxing for such a good cause.
“We want to let Alix know that we’re here supporting her and she’s not going through everything on her own.”
Clan forward Gary Haden admitted he had been both looking forward to helping Alix, but also dreading the leg waxing.
“But considering what Alix is going through just now,” he said. “The thought of having my legs waxed was an easy decision because we’re helping raise money for an amazing cause.
“Everyone knows Alix’s story, so Jeff, Drew and I were only too happy to get involved and help in any way we can.
“Looking ahead, I’m sure the pain will be worth it in the end to help Alix and raise the awareness for this disease.”
Alix is also a part-time ice steward during public skating sessions at Braehead Arena and two of her colleagues at the rink, Josh Seggie and Ross O’Hagen, volunteered to join the players and have their legs waxed as well.
Visit ow.ly/1yHG50MRPl2 to donate to the JustGiving Page the Clan has set up to help Alix’s fundraising effort.
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