A PORLOCK woman who has been growing her hair for the past two years will be cutting it off for a good cause tomorrow (August 6).
Clare Gladstone, 44, is planning to have a plait of 18 inches cut off, to go to the Little Princess Trust charity that provides wigs for children and young people – and she is being sponsored in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
So far Clare has raised £1,305, after initially just hoping to reach £500 but finding she hit her new £1,000 target within a week.
“I’ve seen so many friends, families and colleagues affected by cancer,” said Clare.
“When I heard about the Little Princess Trust I thought it was such a great idea, and I wanted to raise money at the same time.
“Porlock is a small community and we are all there to support each other.
“Cancer has happened to too many friends and people I know, and we need to keep supporting these charities,” she said.
Clare has been growing her hair for two years, the last year specifically for the charity, and will go to a salon in Minehead for the big cut.
“I will be quite sad but it’s for a really good cause, and I might do it again before there is too much grey,” she said.
Her husband Chris, who runs the couple’s bed and breakfast, The Cottage, in Porlock, with her, will be on hand for support and to take photographs.
“When I tell people I am cutting my hair for charity, they assume I’m having it shaved off but in fact it will be tied into plaits and sent to The Little Princess Trust, where it will be used to make long wigs,” Clare said on her Just Giving page.
“There is no getting away from [cancer]. It is part of all our lives and we must do what we can to continue the invaluable research and world class treatment.
“To everyone who has been affected by this devastating disease, this is for you,” said Clare.
All the money raised will go to Macmillan Cancer Support.
For more information visit justgiving.com/fundraising/clare-gladstone.