A TEESDALE archaeologist had her waist-length locks lopped off for charity.
Dr Hannah Russ has been raising funds, alongside colleagues at the Barnard Castle-based archaeology firm Northern Archaeological Associates (NAA), in aid of Brain Tumour Research in memory of their former director Dr Richard Fraser.
Deciding to have her hair chopped was a big decision for Dr Russ, who admitted the last time she had hair above her shoulders was 18 years ago.
“This will be the shortest my hair has been since I was a teenager,” she said. “I didn’t think I’d be nervous, but I am. I suppose my neck is going to be a bit cooler now though.”
As well as receiving donations through an online fundraising site she and her colleague set up, Dr Russ is also giving her hair to the Little Princess Trust.
The trust uses the donated hair to make wigs for young people who have lost their own due through treatment or alopecia.
Sue Birdsall, owner of the Hair Studio and a member of the Teesdale branch of Cancer Research, was on hand to carry out the chop. Mrs Birdsall is an old hand at such matters, having done four previous cuts.
A total length of 70cm of Dr Russ’ hair was bobbled up and after it is washed and dried will be sent off the Little Princess Trust.
“Initially we hoped to raise £500, but when we surpassed that, we just kept setting the bar higher,” said Dr Russ, who added having exceeded the £6,000 total they are now aiming to raise £10,000.
She and her colleagues have already begun organising more charity events, including an archaeological conference based on the works of Dr Fraser, as well as sponsored walk next year.
A bursary for the archaeological course at Newcastle University is also being set up in Dr Fraser’s name.
Anyone who would like to contribute can visit justgiving.com/fundraising/northern-archaeological-associates4.
