Twenty-two-year-old Stephen Turner, from Dudley, sacrificed his beloved shoulder-length locks on Saturday (September 21) to raise much needed funds to help local disabled and terminally ill children.

Stephen is a customer services adviser at the Midlands Co-operative store in Dibdale Road, Dudley, where he has been supported by colleagues and customers to brave the barber’s clippers – raising £300 for Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children.

Newlife is Midlands Co-operative’s staff-elected charity. Since the fundraising partnership was launched in May 2012 the charity has received more than £226,000 which has funded specialist disability equipment for 124 children across the retailer’s trading area.

This has included wheelchairs and buggies, specialist car seats and beds, walking frames and sensory aids.

Dibdale Road store manager Dave Bailey said: “Our branch has supported the charity partnership with a series of fundraisers. When we got together to discuss our next event I jokingly suggested Stephen shave off his hair – and he was up for it. Another of his colleagues has even offered to knit a hat to keep his head warm.”

Stephen added: “A big thank you to everybody that donated and came in to cheer me on. I’m glad to have raised so much money for such a great cause.”

Pictured: Stephen Turner, during the sponsored head shave.

Web: https://newlifecharity.co.uk Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/newlifecharity Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/newlifefoundation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NewlifeFoundation