Big-hearted hairdresserspull out stops for charity

Alison Irish, owner of Hi-lites, in Eastney Road, Eastney, started doing regular fundraising at her salon almost a decade ago.

Over the years she and her team of hairdressers have raised money for Cancer Research, the British Heart Foundation, the MS Society and local hospices.

It was the turn of Prostate Cancer UK this year and the staff at Hi-lites went all-out.

Alison said: ‘Our first fundraising was so popular that our clients and the other shopkeepers along Eastney Road asked if we would do it again the following year, so we did. And it’s grown from there.

‘It has become a huge challenge to think of different ways to raise more money each time. But 2016 has been our best year so far, raising £5,121.35 for Prostate Cancer UK.

‘In our 80s costumes we took our styling chairs outside the salon to cut people’s hair for only £7.50. We were supported by our fabulous DJ, Bob Dawkins, who comes along each year to take the party onto the street outside Hi-lites.’

As well as the hair cuts, the salon also sells cakes baked by their loyal customers.

There is face-painting, a tombola, and even reptiles on display from Warren’s Ark Reptiles.

A party night was also held at Roko gym in Copnor Road. The music was provided by Stuart and Zoey Southwell and dance routines by Clare Massey.

Alison added: ‘There are so many events and challenges we’ve taken on over the past few years. My husband Chris and I have run three marathons, climbed three mountains and he did a sky dive.

‘My senior stylist Tina Duah has done a sponsored slim and lost over two stone.

‘This summer everyone got up at 5am on their day off to do a car boot sale which raised £250.

‘I am so proud of every member of staff – Tina, Jo Gabriel, Holly Docherty, Sara Hilton and Dawn Karner – for their dedication to go above and beyond their jobs to help others.’

Alison is organising a ball for Macmillan to mark 10 years of fundraising next year.