A MAIDENHEAD pair raised thousands after shaving their heads for a domestic abuse charity.
Trainee GP Crystal Yang, and her cousin, Sophia Zhang, of Maidenhead, took on the challenge for Slough-based The Dash Charity.
The pair visited Paul Antony Hair Salon, in Iver, where the charity staff watched them brave the shave on January 15.
With an initial fundraising goal of £6,000, the pair have now raised £5,300 on their Just Giving page.
Dr Yang said: “It was definitely really scary and exciting at the same time, and it’s taking some time to adjust to not having any hair, my head is so cold all the time, but we’re super happy we did it.
“It was really encouraging to have so much support, we really hope the money will be able to help change lives and doing this fundraiser has made people think and talk more about the issue of domestic violence.”
Dr Yang added over 100 people have donated to their fundraiser.
Caron Kipping, from The Dash Charity, said: ”We would like to say a huge thank you to Crystal and Sophia.
“The ladies were clearly a bit nervous at first, and we don’t blame them, but Mitchell and Ryan from Paul Antony Hair Salon in Iver made them feel completely at ease.”
She explained Ms Zhang had her hair plaited so she could donate this to Little Princess Trust to support children with cancer.
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Ms Kipping added: “Watching all their lovely hair fall to the floor brought the whole shop to tears – it was very moving.”
Those who watched the pair shaving their heads in the salon thought the new look suited them.
Alison Bourne, CEO of The Dash Charity, said: “We are overwhelmed at the generosity of our community who have supported this fundraiser raising over £5000 to support local families experiencing domestic abuse.”
Dr Yang, who works at Wexham Park Hospital, said domestic violence has always been an issue that it personal to her.
And last year, The Dash Charity supported over 1,500 survivors of domestic abuse and saw a 35% increase in referrals.
READ MORE: Fundraising duo shave heads for domestic violence charity
Ms Bourne added: “This money will go towards children’s therapeutic work to help them recover from the trauma of their experiences.”
To donate, visit their Just Giving page.
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