TWO Foresters have pulled off some hair-raising stunts to raise money for two charities who helped their late loved ones.

Ten-year-old Charley Smith, of Coleford, and Helen Zala of Bream each undertook a challenge to have their long hair chopped off for charity and raised £3,500.

Charley was surrounded by family and friends last Thursday at Claremont House in Lydney when stylist Claire Lanfear took to the scissors.

Just 24 hours later, on Friday the 13th, Helen had the same thing done at Jarred’s Barber Shop in Hams Road, Lydney.

Charley decided the £2,000 she raised should be used to support Gloucestershire Hospice, who cared for her grandfather at the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice until he died in July.

Helen has raised almost £1,500 for Cancer Research UK.

The 47-year-old said: “Considering it was Friday the 13th I think my hair cut went really well. I lost my mum to cancer so that was a huge motivation for wanting to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

“It turns out the anticipation was a lot worse than the actual deed. I’m loving not having to spend 45 minutes washing and drying my hair, now it’s more like 45 seconds! 

“So far, we’ve raised just under £1,500. I’m so amazed at people’s generosity.”

Charley said: “I’m over the moon with the donations received and am grateful to II Intuitive for hosting the event and those who donated raffle prizes. It makes me so happy to be able to raise money in memory of my granddad. My hair will grow back and I can maybe do it again someday.”

Charley’s mum, Rachel Smith added: “Charley came up with the idea of having her hair cut herself and we think she is just amazing.”

Both have donated their hair to the Little Princess Trust who makes wigs for children who have lost their hair through chemotherapy.

Each cause can receive donations through either www.justgiving.co.uk/Helen-Zala or gofundme.com/ charleyhaircut