Winchester Care Home Residents Help Laura Lose Her Lovely Locks

 Residents at a Winchester dementia care home went hands-on to help a team member lose her locks for two good causes.

Laura Sheldrake, Companionship team leader at Colten Care’s St Catherines View, turned her first haircut for nearly three years into a fundraising attempt for the charities Winchester Live at Home and Little Princess Trust.

She was helped by residents Jill South and John Ormston who took hold of a ponytail each and, scissors at the ready, cut off nearly 18 inches of hair between them.

Overseeing their efforts was qualified hairdresser and neighbour to the Stanmore Lane home, Lorraine Dring.

After Jill and John had done the initial honours, Lorraine tidied up the loose ends.

Laura said: “John was very enthusiastic and got stuck straight in but Jill took her time. She is a former dressmaker, knows her way around a pair of scissors and understands that patience is key. It was entertaining for the onlookers and we thank Lorraine for being on hand to add her expertise.”

Winchester Live At Home is the main charity that residents and staff at St Catherines View have chosen to support this year.

Its aim is to help older people living in their own homes to maintain independent living and well-being for as long as possible.

As well as raising nearly £100 for the charities through sponsorship from friends, families, colleagues and community contacts, Laura is donating her lost locks to The Little Princess Trust. This is a national charity that provides free real hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their own hair because of cancer treatment and other medical conditions.

St Catherines View Home Manager Vanda Baker said: “Congratulations to Laura for being such a good sport. It was a fun initiative spreading smiles and laughter all round for those watching. Perhaps not quite so much for Laura herself! What a brilliant way to support both charities.”