Matthew Barrett has had his head shaved as part of a fundraiser for Les Bourgs Hospice in Guernsey.
So far he’s raised just over £2.2k for the charity, which provides vital support and assistance to those with terminal diseases in Guernsey and their loved ones.
Mr Barrett is performing in Musical Theatre Guernsey’s rendition of ‘Calendar Girls’. The opening event was last night, with performances taking place until 6 September.
His character has blood cancer, and although it was a necessity for him to shave his head for the role, Mr Barrett said he “thought it was worth doing and an opportunity to raise funds for Les Bourgs”.
“Many people lose their hair as a result of cancer treatment without any choice in the matter…I was fortunate that I had a choice to do this.”
He added that the head shave has already had an impact on his day to day life: “My hair has always been quite a large part of my identity and so to take that away feels odd, but less than 24 hours in I am finding it quite liberating. I have already had people I know well walk past me because they didn’t recognise me!”
His efforts have helped raise a total of £2,277.37 at the time of writing. He says the public support for his head shave has been a humbling experience.
“I have been humbled but the immense support and generosity of people, particularly my customers from Beanies, my mobile coffee and bakery business.
“Together we have raised nearly £2,200 for Les Bourgs which will go towards the incredible work they do.”
The money raised will be used to help provide the crucial services the charity provides, according to the Chief Executive Officer, Rob Jones.
Mr Jones said: “Fundraisers like Matt’s pay for specialist nursing and support the care Les Bourgs is loved for.
“It is so important to raise awareness of what we do and that we really do need the funds, as it says in the last line in the musical Calendar girls to ‘keep rolling onwards and forever’.”
You can find the Giving.gg page online HERE.