VOLUNTEERS are the unsung heroes of charity work, but a hairdressers in Southsea is giving thanks to those who help out behind the scenes.
Hair Cafe in Grove Road, Southsea, has been busy giving free haircuts to volunteers who help out at the Rowans Hospice in Purbrook.
The idea came from Bill Smyth, owner of Smyth’s Hair, in Osborne Road, Southsea who asked close friend and owner of Hair Cafe, Carol Ritchie, to help him organise a way of saying thank you.
Bill has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and Rowan’s Hospice has been helping him.
He said: ‘I wanted to give something back to the volunteers who are often left out of the picture.
‘You have these wonderful people who work for nothing and they deserve more recognition for what they do.
‘We decided to treat them to a free hair cut and a pampering day at my salon and Hair Cafe.
‘Rowan’s Hospice is a real, local charity who help people in Portsmouth so I prefer to fundraise for them.
‘I know cancer research is important too so I have given to other charities in the past.’
As well as treating the volunteers, the hair salon was also raising money through a raffle.
Prizes included GHD hair straighteners, meals from nearby restaurants and offers from bars.
So far, Bill has raised more than £3,000.
Ruth White, chief executive for the hospice, which is based at Purbrook, said: ‘We have got some great people who work so hard and they deserve a day like this.
‘Bill and I were talking and we decided to do something for them.
‘Without them, the whole organisation would collapse.
‘We wanted to recognise the time they give, their talents and their expertise so the day is all about the volunteers.
‘They have enjoyed free pampering, hair cuts, colour treatments and the chance to win some great prizes.
‘It’s been a great day.’
Rowan’s Hospice are also working with the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth who is raising money for a CAT scan machine to be installed at Queen Alexandra Hospital, in Cosham, Portsmouth.
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