CLASSY cuts and blow dries helped raise more than £1,000 for a three-year trip to South Africa.

Visitors to hair salon Anne Veck, in St Clements, were pampered during a fundraising event to help Rebekka Stredwick fly out to South Africa.

The 43-year-old, from Headington, lived in South Africa during the 1980s and now has volunteered to go back.

Miss Stredwick will go to Hillcrest, South Africa, on February 3, to work with the Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust’s marketing and fundraising team for the next three years. She will help the team raise money, train staff and map locations of centres where patients receive medication.

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Staff at Anne Veck offered £20 washes, cuts and blow dries to customers on Sunday, January 11, as well as treats provided by La Cucina Restaurant, in St Clements.

Marketing and public relations professional Miss Stredwick said: “We had an amazing day.

“There was a buzz in the salon, it was really exciting. People were genuinely very happy to be supporting the cause. The staff at Anne Veck worked tirelessly all day. Everyone left the salon looking great.”

Miss Stredwick said: “It’s about showing the people out there unconditional love. I saw the difference that can be made in people’s lives who would normally be living in poverty.”

She has almost raised the £23,400 needed to cover £650 monthly living costs and needs to raise £1,500 more to cover other expenses including a second-hand car, flights and furniture. To donate, visit give.net/20169441

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