When André Le Geyt booked his first haircut in years, he decided it ought to be for a good cause.
Raising just over £1,000 for the Stroke Association Jersey, which supported both of his parents after they suffered strokes, Mr Le Geyt shaved his foot-length hair to help support other stroke survivors and their families.
His hair was cut at Amorella & Co in St Helier and the cut locks have been donated to The Little Princess Trust, which makes real hair wigs for children and young people who have lost their hair due to illnesses like cancer.
Mr Le Geyt, who works at The Surfyard in St Ouen, said he made the decision to shave his head in aid of the stroke charity after seeing the “terrible life-changing impact” they had on his parents.
“Both my parents had strokes in their later lives. It affected both of them quite badly and it was a horrible thing to see,” he said.
“It was heartbreaking”
“My mother Josephine was in care at Overdale as she had some health issues and suffered multiple strokes. Each time, she lost a little more function, it was heartbreaking.”
Mr Le Geyt explained his father, Michael, also had a stroke while having an eye test at the hospital but was fortunate to have been treated there and then.
“He recovered quickly but was never quite the same and it knocked his confidence a lot.
“The Stroke Association helped so much with him getting home, having support and being able to regain his confidence.”
“Nothing a good beanie won’t sort!”
Having now lost a layer of warmth on his head, Mr Le Geyt said he does feel the cold without his locks.
He added: “I have noticed it being a bit chilly without my hair, but nothing a good beanie won’t sort.
“But, it’s definitely a lot quicker having a shower now!”
Marvin White, from the Stroke Association’s fundraising team, said the charity is “hugely grateful” for Mr Le Geyt’s “unusual way” of fundraising.
“We can help rebuild even more lives”
“Our specialist support, research and campaigning are only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community and the generosity of our supporters,” he said.
“With more donations and support, we can help rebuild even more lives.”
The fundraiser is still taking donations here.
SUPPORT…
The charity operates a Stroke Recovery Service which works with stroke survivors and their families to identify their personal support needs and priorities, helping them regain confidence and independence, and rebuild their life after stroke.
To find out more or donate to the Stroke Association Jersey, visit their website.