Who do you think you are? Redbrige charity volunteer becomes Spice Girl

Beverly Poynter, with Denis de Lacy, a volunteer from North London Samaritans dressed as founder of the charity Chad Varah. (Image: Archant)

Volunteer Beverley Poynter donned a version of the singer’s famous Union Jack dress and dyed her hair red to raise money for Samaritans of Redbridge during the Lord Mayor’s Show.

She was one of a group of Samaritan volunteers to take part in the parade in central London in order to commemorate the charity’s 60 years of work.

Each person dressed up as an icon from one of the last six decades.

Beverley, who was representing the 1990s, said: “I made my dress out of a Union Jack tea towel and was going to wear a wig, but then I had this idea to get people to sponsor me, as a dare, to dye my hair.

“The crowd was amazing, even the rain didn’t spoil the day, everyone was in such good spirits.”

Beverley, 43, expected to raise around £100, but to her surprise has so far received more than £600 in donations – with the figure still rising.

She added: “The amount apparently covers the costs of us taking more than 300 calls.

“When you think about the amount of lives you can potentially save, you just want to keep doing more.”

Having used the helpline herself, Beverley, of Bethnal Green, knows the importance of having someone to talk to in times of need, and has volunteered at the charity for eight years.

She said: “I am very passionate about the work we do, providing confidential emotional support for those who are distressed, depressed or have suicidal feelings.

“I feel proud that I have done something worthwhile for a charity I absolutely believe in. Everyone has been so supportive and I am so grateful to all my sponsors.”

Beverley’s fundraising page closes on December 9.

To donate, visit virginmoneygiving.com/DareDevil.