Football-mad staff at Sunrise of Southbourne have come up with novel ways to raise vital funds for Alzheimer’s Society.

After losing a friendly wager with a colleague on who would win the Premier League, Manchester United fan and lead care manager at the nursing dementia care community Nathan Pilling braved the short sharp shock of having both his legs waxed for Sunrise’s nominated charity for 2012.

Nathan undertook the forfeit after making the bet with general manager Martin Corrigan, who supports United’s biggest rivals Manchester City.

Generous staff made further contributions, donating some of the prize money they won in the Sunrise Goals for Greatness competition – awarded by Sunrise HQ each year to the best community in the UK – bringing the total to £1,750.

Six members of staff hope to raise a further £2,000 by taking part in a skydive later this year.

Nathan said: “I can’t say I enjoyed the waxing experience, but a bet’s a bet and it was all for a good cause.

“We have quite a few football fans at Sunrise of Southbourne and watching the big games is one of the many activities that bring staff and residents together.”