An islander has debuted their new blue hair after raising over £2,000 for charity with a 40th birthday haircut.
Dr Adam Perchard, who has been growing their hair for over 13 years, underwent an extreme haircut in aid of the Little Princess Trust last week.
The artist and cabaret star, who recently hosted Jersey Pride, had their hair cut at Gorey Castle on Tuesday 15 July.
Their locks were later styled and dyed blue at Toni & Guy.
Dr Perchard said they were inspired to cut and donate their hair to mark their 40th birthday.
“I like the idea of stepping into a new decade with a bit of kindness,” they explained.
“Cutting my hair off feels like a fresh start for me – and I hope that donating it to a young person going through cancer might give them a fresh start too, or at least a little bit of comfort during a difficult time.”
In the days leading up to the cut, they described feeling “quite sad” and “a bit frightened.”
But Dr Perchard said they felt surprisingly “joyful” once their hair had been chopped off.
They explained: “My hair was a kind of armour for me for a long time – it was an expression of myself, but also something I hid behind sometimes.
“My life is going well at the moment, which is lovely. I feel very confident and healthy and happy, and I am super grateful for that.
“I realised that I don’t need my hair anymore, but that someone out there does need it desperately. So the decision sort of made itself. “
Dr Perchard said they received a unanimously positive response from friends and family after they took to social media to announce their haircut plans.
“I felt so touched by the whole experience, particularly by the huge support I’ve had from friends and family on the island and all over the world,” they said.
“People have been so generous with their donations.
“I’ve now raised well over £2,000 and my JustGiving page will be open for another week, so I’m hoping people might even donate a little more.”
Dr Perchard said they feel “thrilled” with their new look and hairstyle, giving thanks to Qasim Khawaja and Jasmine Eden at Toni & Guy.
“Cutting my hair off was strangely freeing,” they said.
“I feel much lighter, physically and emotionally. I have been overwhelmed by people’s kindness and enthusiasm.
“One friend said that they hope some of my strength and joy goes to the young person who receives my hair, and that thought makes me feel very emotional.”
Dr Perchard hopes their recent haircut will inspire others to consider donating their own locks to the Little Princess Trust – a charity that provides free wigs to children, teenagers and young adults suffering from hair loss.
“Do it, darling!” they said.
“I know it’s scary, but there’s simply no way you’ll ever regret bringing a little light into someone’s life when they are travelling through such darkness. Do it, do it, do it.”
One friend said that they hope some of my strength and joy goes to the young person who receives my hair, and that thought makes me feel very emotional
dr adam perchard
Dr Perchard has also recently become an ambassador for the Jersey Employment Trust.
They said: “Many of their clients struggle with depression and anxiety, which is something I’ve been through myself.
“Some of them are rebuilding their lives after going through cancer or other life-changing events.”
They added: “The work JET does to support them, find them work that suits them, and help them stay in that work, is extraordinary and deserves to be better known on the island.
“It’s my great honour to be able to help them raise awareness – and hopefully a little money! Get involved, babies!”
DONATE…
Dr Perchard’s fundraiser is still open for another week. You can donate here.