Our very own Frances Gardiner and Sally Baguley have braved the shave to support a close friend and colleague fighting cancer.

The pair took on the charity challenge to support our complementary therapist Caroline Readman, who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

They waved goodbye to their locks for the winter on 28 November, while helping raise hundreds of pounds for us.

The idea came after Caroline lost her hair following chemotherapy – prompting volunteer coordinator Frances and physiotherapist Sally to jump in and get behind her.

Our staff gathered at the Shrewsbury hospice from 10am to cheer on the duo as they got their hair chopped off.

Frances said: “Caroline knew she was going to lose her hair during her treatment and we wanted to do something more than just saying we’ll be there for her, so we decided to have our heads shaved to show our solidarity and support.

“It will take some getting used to but I feel great to have done it, especially knowing the money will be helping the people Severn Hospice cares for.

“It feels amazing and liberating. It’s going to be very cold but I’ve got lots of hats which will keep me warm during the winter!”

Shrewsbury-based hairdresser Gill Blain, of Spirit Hairdressing, had the all-important task of working the clippers –and even donated her services free-of-charge.

So far generous donations from friends, family and colleagues have helped raise more than £600, with cash still being counted from the fundraiser.

The cash will help us fund our vital care and emotional support for families living with incurable illnesses in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales.

Caroline said: “I think they both look amazing. When Fran first told me they what they had planned I cried.

“It’s been a very emotional morning but a wonderful one too.”

Sally also donated her hair to the Little Princess Trust charity, which will be used to make a wig for children and young people up to the age of 24 that have lost their own hair due to cancer.

She added: “It feels so unusual having such short hair but helping support Caroline through her treatment is the most important thing.

“I’ve taken part in fundraising for the hospice before but I have never done anything quite like this. Thank you so much to the generosity of all our friends, family and colleagues who have dug deep to make a donation. We are both incredibly grateful.”

To support Frances and Sally’s charity head shave you can make a donation to their Just Giving page by clicking here.