Cheers could be heard over Nantwich Town Square as Wistaston resident Dee Slinn “braved the shave” for Cancer Research.
Sitting on a chair outside Nantwich Bookshop, Dee’s curly golden brown locks were taken down to a ‘number one’ before a crowd of shoppers and café customers many taking pictures and filming the effort on their mobile phones.
Full of trepidation before the day the mum-of-one, aged 53, went ahead hoping to raise £1,000 for the charity.
And it turned out she underestimated the generosity of townspeople who stopped to put £10 and £20 notes in collection buckets!
Her total is nearing £1,500 and going up daily on a JustGiving fundraising page.
Among the onlookers was Dee’s mum Joan Mullins, 83, who was brimming with pride at her daughter’s latest charity effort.
“She’s always had beautiful hair, lots of gorgeous curls since she was a tot.
“She’s done lots of things for charity over the years and I couldn’t be more proud,” she said.
Dee’s hair was put in bunches before they were lopped off and then her friend Steve Davies, an engineer, used his head shaver to create her new look before cheering onlookers.
People were encouraged to make donations to take her hair shorter and shorter. One lady handed over £30 explaining that her friend had just been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
“Wow, I didn’t expect to feel so emotional but people were so lovely with their hugs and kisses,” said Dee.
“My hair has always been my pride and joy but I really don’t mind. In fact I quite like it!”
Dee, an apprenticeships assessor with Kaplan Financial, previously worked for South Cheshire College and Reaseheath College.
She has also served on the committee for the local WI, Wistaston Swans, and has volunteered at the Nantwich Show.
Over the years, she has completed various challenges including cycling, running, and walking, which have pushed her physically.
She added: “This wasn’t just a personal challenge. It’s a deeply meaningful act of support for a cause close to my heart.
“Cancer has impacted many of my friends and family, and this event is a way of making a tangible difference.”
The effort also supported another charity.
Her hair sent to the Little Princess Trust that makes wigs for children and young people who have lost their own hair through cancer.
Nikki Cook, of Kaplan Financial, said: “This is a massive contribution by Dee.
“She has arranged this personally so two very deserving charities will be benefiting from those curly locks!”
Well done a great cause.