Wolverhampton Hairdresser Raises Funds for Mobility Centre Equipment Dressed as Edward Scissorhands

Anita Platt, a 43-year-old hairdresser, entertained her customers by dressing as Edward Scissorhands for a week at her Wolverhampton salon. This initiative aimed to raise money for specialist equipment for a mobility centre. The character, famously portrayed by Johnny Depp in the 1990 film, uses scissors instead of hands to create works of art, including elaborate hairstyles for his neighbors. Ms. Platt explained her motivation for fundraising was her partner, Matthew Miller, a double amputee. He observed a lack of certain equipment for patients at The Maltings Mobility Centre in the city while participating in agility events there. The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust confirmed that the £250 raised by Ms. Platt is expected to benefit up to 900 patients. Ms. Platt commented on her experience, stating: “The looks when I went to buy lunch at the local shops, but it was good fun and we’re very thankful to our clients who gave generously.” She added, “I wanted to help because it’s a cause close to my heart.” Explaining the necessity, she said, “We see these as essential items but the NHS can only do so much, so we decided to do something to support people.” The items purchased include two agility ladders and hurdles, an adjustable height workout step, dumbbells, footprint markers, and resistance bands. Mr. Miller, aged 44, lost both legs below the knee in 2018 due to sepsis. The father-of-five and former Grenadier Guard endured a three-week coma, had his heart restarted three times, and spent a total of three months in hospital. Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Miller stated he was “very grateful to his partner for what she did to raise money.” He further remarked, “She’s great – she even drove to work in costume and she takes me to all my appointments,” adding that “The equipment is a real boost.” Lou Tisdale, a clinical specialist physiotherapist in amputee rehabilitation at the trust, commented: “Some of these items were missing in our toolbox when the patient and I did a running training course earlier this year – items the trainer had but we didn’t.” She emphasized the benefit, stating, “All the items will be useful to support people to gain confidence in the use of their prosthetic limbs through improving balance and control of the leg.” Ms. Tisdale concluded, “We are really grateful to Anita and Matthew for thinking of our service in their fundraising.”