Doc goes pink as tribute to late wife

4:51pm Tuesday 28th October 2008

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A Halesowen doctor has dared to go pink to raise cash for breast cancer research as a tribute to his wife who died of the disease.

Richard Johnson shocked staff and patients at Halesowen Health Centre by dyeing his hair a shade of pink to support Breast Cancer Campaign's national wear it pink day tomorrow (Friday).

Richard's wife Dr Bridget Johnson died from breast cancer in 2004, aged just 46, meaning the cause is close to his heart.

Richard said: "I thought why not go the whole hog and have my hair dyed pink.

"The staff quite like it and a worrying number of patients have said it suits me.

"It's about raising funds for research - there's some amazing stuff coming along.

"Lots of people do things like run a half marathon - if I did that I'd need an ambulance."

But despite the many compliments the 51-year-old will not be keeping the new shade which he has been sporting since Monday (October 27) - he will shave off all his hair or dye it back.

Richard and Bridget, described as a gentle and caring woman, met while studying at Birmingham University and both worked at Halesowen Health Centre. They had two children - Thomas, now 21 and Emma, aged 18.

Richard said: "Both my kids are at uni - I have sent them texts and had a phone call from my daughter saying dad you look ridiculous and my son didn't reply!"

Patients at the centre have been donating £1 each towards the campaign and a raffle will be held and pink cakes will be on sale tomorrow. It is hoped more than £300 will be raised.

Breast Cancer Campaign uses all wear it pink donations to support its 112 research projects in 50 centres of excellence across the UK.

For more information visit www.wearitpink.co.uk