A HEALTH worker is enjoying her new look after shaving off her hair for charity.

Rose Tallon had her shoulder-length locks lopped off on Saturday evening to raise money for CLIC Sargent, the charity which cares for children with cancer.

So far the 58-year-old she has collected nearly £1,600 and is confident that about will rise when further the donations are counted up.

Ms Tallon, of Kings Road, South Harrow, said: “My hairdresser broke down in tears a couple of days earlier at the thought of doing it.

“I've been seeing her for many many years so I ended up having to be the strong one for her.”

The head shave took place at RAF Windsock Club in Eastcote Lane, South Harrow, and was the culmination of the Big Buzz Family Fundraising Event which has so far collected £1,579 for CLIC Sargent.

Hair stylists Tina Canavan, left) and niece Lillie Canavan prepare to work on Rose Tallon at the RAFA Windsock Club at South Harrow
Hair stylists Tina Canavan, left) and niece Lillie Canavan prepare to work on Rose Tallon at the RAFA Windsock Club at South Harrow

Her cut hair will go to Little Princess Trust, a charity which turns donated hair into wigs for children.

Ms Tallon said that just prior to the head shave, the full realisation of what she was about to do kicked in. She said: “I was really anxious and worried.

“On the afternoon I tried to put it off and not think about it.

“Then I had to psyche myself up and when the crowd started cheering it was very emotional.”

Afterwards she was relieved with the reaction of friends and family: “I said I wanted it all off, not a grade four or two, my plan was to have it all off and that's what I did.

“But people have been very nice and said it suits me.”

And Ms Tallon was determined to meet the world full-on with her new look.

The senior healthcare assistant said: “I woke up on Sunday morning thinking I have to face the public looking like this.

“I thought of wearing a cap but then I thought against it – so I faced the world and went for a nice walk.”