Photo Courtesy of Hennessey & Davies Photographers

My name is Samantha Habel and I have had long hair for a long time! I have worked in a Dementia care home for the Royal British Legion now for 3 years and have a nan with vascular dementia, which means this is a subject close to my heart.

As a staunch follower of Terry Pratchett  I am aware of the amazing work of RICE  and their research into care and treatment of dementia patients (Terry Pratchett's Discworld books helped bring me through a battle with severe depression!) I decided to raise money for them and also raise lots of money to support the ongoing good work at the dementia care home where I work (The Poppy Lodge, part of Galanos House) as it is my home away from home and the staff and residents are like family to me now. Money going into the amenities fund will help towards the costs of fun activities and treats for all the residents of Galanos House and Poppy Lodge!

After recuperating from a break-down last year, I thought: fresh start.. lets get rid of my hair! And why not support something I'm passionate about while I'm at it! 

 My hair is my safety blanket, but unlike the memories for many sufferers of dementia, it will grow back. Regardless of donations it will get cropped on the 26th of Novemeber. But because my hair means so much to me, if you want to see me 'Dare to go Bare' and buzz cut ALL of it off, then we need to reach the target of £1000!

I will be hosting an event for people to witness this event at The Olde Mint, in Southam, Warwickshire. This will be on the 26th of November 2014 and there will be collections of cash donations on the day. Times to be announced.

The weekend after this event I attend Hogswatch in Wincanton, A weekend convention celebrating all things Discworld. It is a free event that raises money for RICE also. I will be donating my main plait of hair to their Charity Auction to use as they see fit! And I will also be posing for snaps to use in an amazing photo product for 'Dibblers Girls for All Seasons' under my stage name of Miss Belladonna Bliss. Last year it was a Charity Calendar for 2014 - who knows what  the girls will come up with this year, put keep posted on their facebook page! (For more information or to order these amazing Pratchett inspired charity photo gifts, visit discworldemporium.com/Hogswatch and Facebook.com/DibblersGirls)

There will hopefully also be cash collection boxes in the afore mentioned pub and The Poppy Lodge up until the event. As Just Giving cannot split donations I have made the decision for all online donations to go to RICE and all cash donations to Poppy Lodge,  so please give accordingly.  (this is assuming it's going to be a fairly even break in cash and online donations! but aiming for a 50/50 split!)

Thankyou again for your time and donations...

Sammy xXx <3

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