A STUDENT support advisor is in the pink after raising hundreds of pounds in memory of her colleague and friend.
Darlington College’s Julie Fraterrigo dyed her hair a rosy hue to raise much-needed funds to intensify the fight against brain tumours.
She has won high praise from The Brain Tumour Charity for her efforts in memory of popular construction lecturer John Headlam who died from a CNS lymphoma aged just 52.
Julie collected £350 in cash and raised another £850 on a Just Giving page after dyeing her hair pink.
“I was amazed how many nice comments I received about the colour and was delighted by the donations that came in,” said Julie, who worked with John with multi-skilled students taking bricklaying, joinery, plumbing, electrical and plastering.
“He was the most hilarious man and he kept that humour all the way through. I think he would have liked my ‘raspberry rebel’ look and been happy with the fundraising total which will help with research into this awful condition.”
A spokesman for The Brain Tumour Charity said: “We are so grateful for the commitment and enthusiasm, the time and the energy put into raising these funds, which is appreciated beyond measure. We know that with the help of kind and generous people like Julie we will find a cure.”
His wife Karen said: “We are all blown away by Julie's selfless act to help raise awareness of brain tumours, as well as all the support from Darlington College. John would be so proud of Julie, she was a great friend, and they often shared notes on their grandchildren. Well done Julie, you are an absolute star.”
The charity is currently funding the Tessa Jowell Brain Matrix at Birmingham University which is hosting clinical trials to better understand brain tumours and find drugs to effectively treat them.
John, of Billingham, was the youngest of four children and was renowned for his humour, even at school.
On leaving school he worked for builders Colin Beck Ltd and began an apprenticeship in bricklaying at college. Later he took up teaching bricklaying at Darlington College.
He also loved music and frequently DJed at other people’s parties.