NEARLY £5,000 has been raised by three Sedbergh women who shed their locks for charity.

Since Julie Lowther, Nicola Charnley and Amanda Bond shaved their hair in October, £4,800 was raised for St John’s Hospice, the Great North Air Ambulance and Blood Bikes.

The spirited ladies have also donated their hair to the Little Princess Trust, a charity that provides real hair wigs to boys and girls across the UK and Ireland, who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment.

Sara Brown, community fundraiser at St John’s Hospice, said: “I was delighted to meet Julie, Nicola and Amanda, three very brave ladies who have done such a wonderful thing.” she said. “We received a cheque for £1,628.30 which is a valuable contribution to our services. The hospice also has connections with both the Great North Air Ambulance and Blood Bikes, so it’s a lovely touch that they too, will benefit.”

“The head shave was an idea that came about when we decided to do a fundraiser in September,” explained Julie. “So, we said that shaving our heads would hopefully create the ‘wow factor’ in raising money.

"Amanda, Nicola and myself then set a date and on the night, we had a disco as well as doing the head shaves live! We raised £4884.92, split between three charities: St Johns Hospice, Blood Bikes and Air Ambulance, with each receiving £1628.30. A fantastic night was had by all and we would like to express our thanks to everyone that sponsored us.”