A BUSINESSMAN has helped his company to raise more than £2,000 for a children’s hospice by having an Essex-style makeover.

Gary Bayes, 53, from the carp fishing firm Nash Tackle, underwent a sponsored, head-to-toe, 60-minute transformation in aid of Little Havens Children’s Hospice in Daws Heath Road, Thundersley.

Gary, from Hadleigh, was given a pedicure, manicure and mahogany spray tan, courtesy of Debbie Payne, from Pamper 4 All on Canvey.

He then had his hair cut into a classic Towie style and a shave from Mark Hudson, of Hudsons Barber Shop, in Rayleigh.

To complete the look, his workmates chipped in to buy some trendy clothes for Gary, before heading to the pub for a pint.

Kevin Nash, of Nash Tackle, in Rayleigh, said: “For the man who thought foundation meant something underneath your house, this was a big challenge for Gary.”

The firm has so far raised £2,088 for Little Havens Hospice, which cares for seriously ill children and their families from across Essex.

Corporate fundraiser, Lydia Plews said: “Whether we care for a child for years, months, weeks or even just hours, we make a real difference to their life, but this simply couldn’t be possible without the support of businesses like Nash Tackle fundraising for us. So on behalf of all of our families, thank you.”