Date published: 16 June 2015 by Oonagh Goodman

Enjoy today, hair, because I’m off to the hairdressers tomorrow and you’re coming off in my bid to raise £7,000 to help support of life threatened or terminally ill children and their families!

Since I became Chief Executive of Rainbow Trust, the charity I am so passionate about has grown from supporting just a handful of families in 1986 to over 1,800 today. Over the years I’ve seen families deal with the news that their child has a life threatening illness. Whilst the effects can be devastating, I know that the support from our charity can be invaluable, not just to the sick child, but to the whole family. I want to play my part and do something to help raise money so that we can support more families.

Also last year my nephew was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a type of bone cancer, and had chemotherapy treatment. It is a very difficult time for my family and has really shown me just how powerless you feel in these situations.

In the past I’ve undertaken challenges including a wing walk and skydive but now I want to up the ante and do something personal and it’s time for my tresses to go. Rainbow Trust relies almost entirely on voluntary donations so losing my hair is worth it if I can raise some much needed funds and reach my target of £7,000 which is the equivalent of supporting five more families for a whole year.

I can’t say that I’m looking forward to it – would you? But I’ve bought some wigs and some headscarves and I am greatly buoyed by the support and encouragement of my family, friends and colleagues.

If you would like to make a donation in support of my head shave and visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Heatherwood or call 01372 220086 to make a donation over the phone.

Hopefully by Christmas I’ll have a full head of hair and Rainbow Trust will be a step further towards supporting all 6,000 families across England who need our help.