Watch South Tyneside headteacher getting a drastic new look as she shaves ALL her hair for Hebburn Helps

Pupils at St Oswald’s s CE VA Primary School in Hebburn and Bede Burn Primary School in Monkton may not recognise their head teacher when they return to school following the coronavirus lockdown.

Earlier this month, Helen Smith, went to extreme lengths to thank the heroes at Hebburn Helps food bank who are helping her families to put food on the table.

As well as delivering food parcels and isolation packs, the food bank has been providing around 120 packed lunches every day for children whose parents are struggling during the crisis.

On Saturday, May 2, Helen’s daughter Poppy shaved off all of her mum’s hair – leaving her looking dramatically different.

She has now raised more than £2,500 for Hebburn Helps - despite only setting herself a target of £250.

Helen, who has been volunteering with the food bank on the days she is not taking care of the children of key workers at school, was “blown away” by what co-founders Angie Comerford and Jo Durkin had done for the school over the last few weeks.

“Hebburn Helps is such an amazing cause, our school would be lost without Angie and Jo especially during the Covid 19 period,” she said.

“The fundraiser went unbelievably well, everyone was so supportive and generous. I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone in the community – I am so proud to be a part of Hebburn and Jarrow.”

And the mum-of-two is even learning to love her new look.

“At first it seemed pretty drastic but I’m getting used to it now,” she added.

“It’s brilliant for getting ready - so quick in the shower.”

Angie Comerford of Hebburn Helps commented: “I would just like to add how amazing Helen is. Not only is she a fab head teacher but a truly kind and caring soul. It’s been a pleasure to have her work alongside of us throughout this crisis.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

How to subscribe to the print edition

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.