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Two best friends are undergoing a good chop for a great cause - a hair-raising and fundraising head shave in memory of a beloved grandmother who died at just 59.
Local girls Tia Woosnam (22) and Alannah May will brave shaving their long locks this morning in aid of the Jersey Brain Tumour Charity, donating the silky strands to the Little Princess Trust – a charity that makes wigs for children with hair loss from illness.
It all started as a personal pledge to shave their heads in solidarity with Tia’s grandmother, Christine, who was diagnosed in April after a sudden migraine at work and due to have chemotherapy, as Alannah, who affectionately referred to her as ‘Nan’, explained:
“We said that when she was having chemo and she lost her hair then we’d shave off ours. It all happened very quickly so within five weeks she’d passed away so we decided to shave our hair off anyway."
While that month was particularly “tough” with Christine struggling with the effects of memory loss, the pair, who have been best friends for five years, emerged more “determined” than ever to follow through with their promise.
They’ve chosen Fabriah salon at De Gruchy as the venue for their ‘Number 2’ buzz cut – a special place with a special purpose, as Christine worked at the department store for 17 years. “We wanted it all to be really sentimental… It was just a case of getting the pieces to fit together and make it work,” Alannah added.
Pictured: All proceeds from the shave will go to the Brain Tumour Charity, which provided support to Tia's family.
While they’ve taken part in charity runs and walks before, they say that this is their first dip – or big splash – into the world of charity fundraising. So are they nervous for the big shave?
“I’m excited now and Tia’s really excited. At first, because it was so long away, it was quite nervewracking, but now it’s coming together, we’ve had loads of meetings with the Brain Tumour Charity and the barbers.
“I suppose my main concern is that, I’m not worried about [my hair] not being there, but it’s when it starts growing back at an awkward length – what do you do with it?”
“…At least there’s no sea hair for summer!” she laughed.
Before attempting the challenge, the pair nervously consulted their bosses to be sure that they were happy with the move. “They were really supportive. We thought we better ask our bosses first – mine was really excited, saying, “When it grows back we can dye it all sorts of colours!” She was more excited than I was!”
Support from friends and family has been “fantastic” too, with the team set to smash their record with nearly £2,000 in the can at the time of writing, and some big pledges still outstanding – including one from Alannah’s boyfriend, who says he’ll match the highest donor.
Pictured: The BFFs 'flip their hair back and forth' one last time.
Before they get to reap the benefits, though, they’ll have to get settled in the barbers’ chair. Firstly, they’ll have their hair plaited and chopped, before the remainder is buzzed off. No pressure? Well, there’s an audience too. “Some people are saying they’re going to live stream it!”
But Alannah says anyone is able to comb over and watch the 11:30 event.
“People are welcome to come down and watch. Jersey Brain Tumour charity will be there as well to explain what they do with some brochures, leaflets and buckets to have some passer-by collections too.”
Those keen to watch Tia and Alannah climb the hairway to heaven can pop into Fabriah Men’s Barbers at De Gruchy’s Department Store, St Helier at 11:30.
Click here to donate.
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