HAIRDRESSERS who used to style the hair of former Witney mayor Chrissie Curry have got together to stump up cash for the cancer hospice where she was treated.

Ms Curry lost her battle with the illness on April 22, aged 66, after being treated at Sobell House Hospice in Oxford.

Staff at Junction Hair and Beauty Ltd, her former hair salon, in Corn Street, Witney, organised a raffle and a fun day on May 6 which raised more than £1,200.

Last week, they handed the cash to Ms Curry’s partner David Harvey, who owns WR Harvey’s antiques and is also a Witney town councillor, to be given to the hospice in Headington.

Manager Nick Talbot said: “Some of our staff knew Chrissie very well. They were all aware she was spending her last days at Sobell House and wanted to do something for her. We’ve known her for many years and she has been close to a number of us. She was a big personality in Witney “She seemed to be extremely well looked after at Sobell House and it’s a hospice I’ve heard good things about before so I was extremely happy to support it.”

The event included a cake sale, raffle, face painting and nail painting, much of it done under a special gazebo outside the shop.

Raffle prizes included tickets for Cotswold Wildlife Park, dinner for two at the Blue Boar in Witney and champagne.

More than 30 local businesses offered prizes for the raffle.

Mr Talbot said: “I was astonished as how spontaneous it was and how much energy and enthusiasm the staff put into it. Also I was amazed how generous local businesses were in the town in supporting the event.”

Salon manager Amanda Bishop added: “It went really well. She’s been a client of ours for many years and we shall miss her terribly. She was always very lively when she came in and the girls have all known her for years.”

A service of remembrance for Ms Curry took place at St Mary’s Church in Witney on May 18.