TWO inspirational Carlisle women who teamed up to brave the shave say they are overwhelmed with the amount raised for their charities.

Helen McMillan, 52, and Melanie Wilkinson-Dixon, 46, both post office clerks from Ruddicks Newsagents on Wood Street, Botcherby decided to get their locks chopped to support three causes close to the hearts just over a month ago.

Despite putting plans together within the space of a month, the pair took the plunge and underwent the transformation on October 26.

In preparation for the big day, several local businesses rallied together to donate items for a raffle to help the duo raise as much money as possible to hit their target of £1,500.

Following the shave, Helen, and Melanie, say they have smashed their fundraising target, and collected a total of £3,480 for the three charities.

Of that, £1,160 will each go to the North Cumbria Respiratory Team in Carlisle, Hospice at Home and the Children’s Heart Unit at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

The reason behind the big shave came from Melanie, whose husband David suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), wanted to do something to give back to those who helped him, including staff at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle who looked after Melanie’s grandson, George, who needed a major heart operation shortly after his birth at the RVI across the city.

A delighted Melanie told the News & Star: “Myself and Helen got our hair shaved over the road at Peaky’s salon last month, and we’re both overwhelmed at the fantastic response from the community.

“After they heard our plans, lots of local companies provided us with raffle prizes. The raffle was held a few weeks ago in The Magpie pub on Victoria Road.

“We both want to thank our bosses at Ruddicks Newsagents - Linda, Louise and Michelle Ruddick, plus all of our family and friends for their amazing support, Peaky’s for shaving our hair, Laura at The Magpie, plus all our customers who have been so generous.”

Michelle Grant, an assistant from the North Cumbria Respiratory Team, went to the newsagents for the cheque handover presentation earlier this week.

She said: “We look after people with a range of respiratory problems and we have been very fortunate to have received this donation from Helen and Melanie, which we are entirely grateful for.

“The money will help towards new equipment for our patients, including pulmonary classes, and go towards training for our staff.

“I’d like to add a big thanks to Helen and Melanie on behalf of all of the team.

“We’re very grateful for this, as we rely on people like them to support us.”