Alzheimer’s Support, the local charity which supports Wiltshire families living with dementia, was boosted by nearly £3,000, thanks to care coordinator, Sarah Tyler, who sacrificed her hair to a buzzcut.
Sarah lost her locks at Diffusion in Devizes, cheered on by her son Alex and a crowd of colleagues – and while talking live on BBC Wiltshire.
She said, “My hair will grow back, but the brain cells damaged by dementia do not. At Alzheimer’s Support we help people living with dementia and their families to live as well as possible for as long as possible and encourage and support them to create some wonderful experiences.
“All donations received will help to fund our ‘Grand Day Out’ in September.”
Sarah’s feat inspired many donations, including from the families she supports. One wrote on the charity’s website: “I’m super proud of you. You and your team have held my hand and supported me through this horrible dementia journey, so here is my little donation, which is my very small way of saying huge thanks to you.”
Another wrote: “Sarah you are amazing. Without the support provided by you and your fabulous team at Alzheimer’s Support, I don’t know how we would manage on our family’s journey with Alzheimer’s. Thank you for undertaking this personal challenge.”
The money raised will go towards Home Support’s Grand Day Out this autumn, when people living with dementia in Wiltshire and their family carers will be able to enjoy a day out at the seaside.
Sarah received great support from colleagues who turned out to watch the buzzcut from the pavement outside the hairdressers. Her manager, head of home support, Monique Bentley, dyed her own hair blue in solidarity. Two of Sarah’s support workers, Michelle Stock and Julie Brown, also had their hair dyed blue as they pledged to do this if Sarah raised £1,500.
Alzheimer’s Support provides dementia advisers, home support, day care, and activity groups. Sarah also leads a popular Singing for the Mind group, which meets each week in Seend.
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