Fareham teenager soars past fundraising target after braving the shave

Hollie McCullen, 16, had her locks cut as part of Macmillan Cancer Support’s head-shaving campaign.

She aimed to raise £300, but has nearly quadrupled that by gathering nearly £1,100 – and counting – in donations.

Hollie, from Fareham, said: ‘It’s brilliant to have raised as much as we have. I want to thank everybody who has donated to the cause.

‘I’ve seen a lot of people who have knocked confidence from having to lose their hair and I wanted to show them that it’s not about how you look.’

Hollie, whose grandad died of cancer last year and grandmother died 13 years ago, was surrounded by friends and family at Strands Hairdressing salon in Fareham.

Hollie’s father, Nigel, said he ‘doubts she’ll be going there very often now’ as she likes her new look. He said: ‘It was quite nerve-wracking for me, but she took it in her stride. She had six brothers and sisters cheering her on.’

Hollie, who donated her locks to wig-making charity the Little Princess Trust, is now thinking about keeping her new hairdo, saying that it’s ‘much easier to look after’.

Nigel said: ‘It really suits her. I’m pleased for her because it gave her a lot of confidence.’

To donate, go to bravetheshave.org.uk