NOT everyone would trust a TV weatherman to cut their hair.
But for Louise McCarthy, having her locks chopped by Bill Giles was well worth it.
The sponsored snip was to raise funds for Sobell House Hospice in Old Road, Oxford.
Administrator Miss McCarthy, 24, said: “I was bricking it. I was very nervous.
“But I think it looks alright – I looked in the mirror and thought: ‘Not too bad’.”
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Louise McCarthy about to have a trim.
Legendary weatherman Bill got involved after Miss McCarthy’s colleagues at Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre told her he was a big supporter of charitable causes.
And after gleefully brandishing the scissors over her barnet, Mr Giles made a £20 donation himself – adding to a £200 total raised on the day.
Miss McCarthy, of Headington, said: “He was lovely. Quite a lot of people are saying that he should change profession.”
Louise McCarthy says goodbye to her hair.
Her best friend’s father received respite and end-of-life care at Sobell House. Last year a family friend with terminal cancer also passed away there. She said: “They do such a great job.
“It’s not just when the person’s poorly. They look after your mental state as well, and that’s really important. It’s a wonderful organisation.”
Kevin Game, who is in charge of sporting fundraisers for Sobell House, came to watch.
He said: “It was brilliant. I was really impressed.
“She had lovely long tresses before – it’s a show of real commitment.”
He said that quirky and unconventional charity stunts were not uncommon among supporters of Sobell House.
“It’s nice to see people really throwing themselves into their fundraisers,” he added.
Miss McCarthy will now bag up the hair, which she has grown over a four-year period, to benefit a second charity.
Louise McCarthy with Bill Giles.
The locks will be sent to the Little Princess Trust, a national charity that makes wigs for children who have lost their hair through cancer treatment.
And her charity endeavours won’t end there.
Miss McCarthy will be running the London Marathon for the hospice too.
Fellow staff members have praised her new look.
One sent her a picture of Julia Stiles’ short haircut from the 2004 film The Prince and Me.
Another said it would make her more “hairodynamic” before the London Marathon on 26 April.
Through both challenges she hopes to raise a total of £1,500 for the charity.
If she does not reach her target she will top up the funds herself.
For more information and to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Louise-Mccarthy10
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