Linzi, you started the Diamond Wig Bank in January 2019, remind us how this came about?

I started Diamond Wig Bank North East in 2019 as I had realised that wigs were not readily available on the NHS and that it was a postcode lottery as to what wigs people could get. It really upset me to see people struggling to afford a suitable wig, as I know that to many with alopecia a wig is a lifeline.

What has been your favourite part of running the Wig Bank for the past 4 years?

I absolutely love receiving messages of thanks, where I can see how much the wig has helped someone to cope. It has also been very special that I've also been able to help a few brides to get hair for their special day. It's also lovely when the wig bank has allowed someone access to a human hair wig, if this is typically out of their price range. 

You have just reached a fundraising milestone of £10,000. Congratulations and a huge thank you! How does it feel?

Raising £10,000 for a charity that means so much to me and others affected by alopecia and I am so pleased that I have kept the wig bank going this long and hope it will continue to raise funds into the future. I would like to take this opportunity to thank so many people who have helped me along the way...

Thanks to everyone who has purchased a wig from the wig bank or donated their unwanted wigs for me to breathe new life into and find new homes for. Thank you to some wig suppliers who have sent me old stock or seconds. Thanks to my neighbour Leah who has stepped into help me with the wig bank this year. And a final thank you to my boss Andrew at Pilling Financial for supporting me along the way, including donating £200 to help me reach the £10,000 total AND for putting up with the wigs being posted to the office...

You are going to continue to run the Diamond Wig Bank and have told us that you now have a £20,000 target in your sights. How can people support you?

I would LOVE to continue to raise funds for Alopecia UK with the Diamond Wig Bank. I enjoy doing this work. It means wigs that would perhaps otherwise not see the light of day again get a new life, whilst those who might be struggling to afford new wigs can hopefully grab themselves a bargain. I would be over the moon if I can raise a further £10,000 for Alopecia UK - I know that every penny counts for this small charity and I want to do all I can to ensure that there is always support available for those with alopecia - I know just how important that is. 

If anyone has any unwanted wigs that they would like to see me find a new home for, please send them to: 

Diamond Wig Bank 

c/o Pilling Financial

Owen House

Sanderson Arcade

Morpeth

Northumberland

NE61 1NS

A HUGE thank you to Linzi for continuing her work with the wig bank as long as she has and for reaching such a brilliant fundraising milestone! And thank you to everyone who has supported her along the way!