Paige’s lock loss raises £1,000 for the NHS

Mia Skelton persuaded her sister Paige Andrews (24) to lose her locks and between them they have raised £937 for the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity’s staff appeal.

Paige (24), of East Herringthorpe, said: “When Mia told me that she wanted to raise money for the NHS during the coronavirus outbreak I asked her what she would like to do.

“Her response was to shave her head.

“I asked her if she was 100 per cent sure she wanted to do it.

“Her response was ‘Yes, it's only hair! I want to help the NHS to help people that are poorly'”

Their daring feat was carried out last month with a little help from their parents.

Al the funds raised will boost the charity’s Rotherham NHS Superheroes campaign.

Paige said: “We were a bit nervous about shaving our hair but we’d decided on May 10, and with the donations flooding in, we knew we really wanted to do it.

“It was exciting to do it together and I know Mia felt really proud of her fundraising.

“Our heads feel a little light and a bit cold, but we both love our new short hair.”

The generous sisters followed up their hair-raising fundraising activities by donating refreshment boxes full of tea, coffee, sweet treats and fruit for colleagues at Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust.

All the funds raised by Mia and Paige will help to provide care packages, refreshments and treats during busy shifts, hotel accommodation and access to health and well-being initiatives to boost morale for NHS staff in Rotherham.

Martin Havenhand, chairman of The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Shaving your hair for charity is not a decision to be taken lightly so we are amazed to see Mia and Paige do this for our Rotherham NHS Superheroes appeal.

“They have done an incredible job of inspiring their friends and family to sponsor them.

“I think they look fantastic with their new short hair and hopefully their brave feat will encourage others to think about what they can do to fundraise for the appeal too.”

To sponsor Mia and Paige visit their Go Fund Me page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/head-shave-to-support-nhs-during-the-coronavirus.