The South Shields charity champions who are braving the shave in self-isolation

While hairdressers and barber shops are closed for the foreseeable future due to strict lockdown measures, people are being encouraged to take matters into their own hands and raise some money for good causes.

Along with other non-essential retailers in the borough hair salons were forced to close on Monday, March 23 when Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the current guidelines to curb the spread of Covid-19.

South Shields resident, Joseph Langley was the first to brave the shave on Thursday, March 26.

The dad-of-two raised more than £60 for the Friends of South Tyneside Hospital trust, after the charity was forced to cancel its upcoming fundraising event later this month.

Joseph has now launched the Great British Isolation Head Shave group on Facebook to inspire others to do the same.

“We’re not going to be able to get to the hairdressers for quite a while, since most of us are in Isolation and all the barber shops and hairdressing salons across the country will be closed for a while,” he said.

“I thought we could try and use this opportunity to see if we can raise some money for charity. I’m asking people to take a picture and upload it to the group, with a link to their chosen fundraiser.”

Still getting used to his new look, Joseph added: “I’m just pleased we’re in isolation with the way I look now.”

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Meanwhile in a seperate act of goodwill, Westoe Travel director, Graeme Brett has also volunteered to shave his head to raise money for the Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust.

“I was getting really frustrated having to work from home and being unable to get a haircut – it calls for extreme measures,” said Graeme.

“I am ready to shave all my hair off if enough people will sponsor me.

“This cause means so much to me and the charity hasn’t got any money coming in at the moment, so any donation will make an impact.”

Join the Great British Isolation Head Shave group on Facebook to get involved.

Sponsor Graeme via his Go Fund Me page.