Murray braves the shave

Murray Arnott, Foreperson Driver in the Council’s Corporate Property and Transport team has made the decision to brave the shave to raise money for charity.

Raising in excess of £600 to date - £300 via a sponsor sheet and the other half via JustGiving - he bravely chose to shave his beloved beard for North Ayrshire Cancer Care with the help of his team.

All in a day’s work, he did it in the office during his lunchbreak with the help of Hub Office staff who enjoyed the experience just as much as he did!

So why do the fundraiser? Well, did you know that many people in North Ayrshire requiring cancer treatment will require help with transport? This is because many have to travel to Glasgow and across central Scotland to attend specialist appointments and consultations.

Murray is a Foreperson Driver, he manages internal minibus drivers and internal fleet, transporting vulnerable Service Users accessing education and social care - without which they would not be able to access services. As a driver for the council, Murray appreciates the challenges that our communities can face and was keen to do his part to help the charity.

He explains: “Over the past 10 years I have had several good friends that have fought and survived cancer. Throughout each journey there are heroes that walk part of that journey. In 2019 someone very close to me took up that fight and met several of those heroes, volunteers who give their time driving and staff organising these trips.”

Murray is grateful to friends, family and colleagues who donated as part of the fundraiser to stand in solidarity with people impacted by cancer.

He adds: “I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has donated already, you have no idea the difference that the volunteer drivers make to those receiving treatment but also their extended family and friends, it’s one less thing to worry about.”

Murray’s epic shave brings a nickname conundrum to the team however, as they can no longer call Murray his famous bearded nickname… Santa!

Reactions from the team included: “I didn’t recognise you I was about to ask you to leave the building!” | “It’s taken 10 years off yeh!” | “Amazing cause and incredible effort Santa…”

Fresh-faced Murray is now hoping that others will be inspired to take on the challenge too.

He adds: “Think of the difference this makes, North Ayrshire Cancer Care volunteer their time for strangers who they don’t know, they ensure many loved ones in North Ayrshire are taken for vital appointments helping them in their fight. If you brave the shave, you can help more people to access the support the charity provides too.”

Team manager Susan Adamson was the team member to share Murray’s story with us. She shared: “I’m incredibly proud of Murray for raising this money for what is a fantastic local cause, unfortunately cancer has touched most of our lives in some way and these volunteer drivers provide an essential service, take a bow!”

North Ayrshire Cancer Care is a volunteer-run organisation. Based in Kilwinning, its volunteers help to provide free, 24/7, transport for patients and their families, 365 days of the year, to hospital appointments across Central Scotland.

Providing support over the past 40 years to cancer patients and their carers, donations to the charity fund their transport scheme, wellbeing services, support groups, pamper sessions and more…

Avoiding the stress of fuel costs or finding a place to park, North Ayrshire Cancer Care can arrange transport to and from:

• The Beatson / Gartnavel
• Glasgow Royal Infirmary
• Victoria Infirmary
• Southern General Hospital
• Stobhill Hospital
• Hairmyres Hospital
• Western Infirmary
• Inverclyde Royal Hospital

Find out more on the North Ayrshire Cancer Care website.

Published March 09, 2026