Star Wars fan's out of this world fundraiser

Julie MacNaughton had her hair cut and dyed, to resemble the helmet of feared bounty hunter Boba Fett, in the hope of raising £500 for charity.

But the 51-year-old sci-fi fanatic’s final figure has skyrocketed to more than £17,000 which will go to the Hollybank Trust in Mirfield, the charity she works for that supports people with learning disabilities.

Her hair was styled by Nicholda Garland at Headlines Hair and Beauty salon in Cleckheaton surrounded by a horde of Stormtroopers on March 5.

Ms MacNaughton said: “We are thrilled by the amount raised. No one thought we would make so much.

“It just goes to show how generous people can be.”

The hair style transformation took around two hours to complete.

And her out-of-this world charity effort ended in a private party at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford.

The event was attended by members of the UK Garrison of the 501st Legion, disguised as a fleet of Imperial Stormtroopers, and Boba Fett himself.

The elite soldiers greeted guests and helped raise cash during the party through a raffle with Star Wars-themed prizes and signed artwork by artist Gary Erskine.

Ms MacNaughton added: “A lot of people gave their time for free to make this happen, not least Nichola and the wonderful people at the UK Garrison.”

UK Garrison is a non-profit organisation that supports charities, schools and hospital fundraisers across the country.

Ginny Tait, from UK Garrison, said: “We are very proud of our charity work, which underpins what we do and why we do it.

“One hundred per cent of the money we raise from attending corporate, marketing and promotional events is shared between the supported charities at the end of the year.”

Friends who supported Ms MacNaughton on the day came from as far afield as Dubai.

The Hollybank Trusti s a registered charity that was established in 1954.

It provides education, residential care and therapies to babies, children, young people and adults with profound disabilities and complex needs.