Claire loses the locks to support PIPS group

Claire loses the locks to support PIPS group

10 July 2013

A DOWNPATRICK trainee hairdresser has shaved her head in the name of charity. Claire Harper, who works at The Ozone at the Ballymote retail complex, had her head shaved during a charity night at Murphy’s Bar in the town last weekend to raise funds for suicide awareness group PIPS.

The 19 year-old, who has suffered from anxiety and panic attacks since she was four, was determined to help an organisation she has relied on for support.

Claire, who was joined by family and friends last Friday night, also collected money for PIPS at a number of stores in the town including Asda and SuperValu.

The teenager was hoping to raise around £600, but was delighted to more than double it. To date she has raised £1,300.

The charity head shave was organised in conjunction with Claire’s friends Kerry Smyth and Aisling Murphy, with the teenager’s flowing locks shaved off by her Ozone colleague Michelle Lavery.

And Claire has admitted that there were more than a few tears as her hair tumbled from her head.

“I was determined to go through with what was an emotional experience. I did not want to let anyone down and the buzz in the place during my fundraiser was amazing,” she explained. “I think I was running on adrenaline for most of the time.”

Claire wants to thank everyone who helped collect money, sponsored her or donated prizes for the raffle which was also held in Murphy’s Bar last Friday night.

“I am overwhelmed with the support this initiative received and am really delighted to have raised so much for PIPS. The money will be put to good use,” she said.

“I got fantastic support from my family and friends and cannot thank them enough either. The event was a great success and while I have had my head shaved, as it grows back I will be able to experiment with different styles which should be interesting.”