Can I attend if I'm from outside the UK Expand Yes absolutely! We recognise that this unique opportunity will be appealing and beneficial to those not living in the UK and welcome you to come along and attend the day. For families from outside of the UK with a child with alopeciaDue to our funding, we are only permitted to offer free places to children with alopecia from the UK. Families outside of the UK are welcome to join us however you must buy the appropriate regular unsubsidised adult and child tickets. You must purchase the ticket at £33. If you have any queries please get in touch at [email protected]
Groups Expand We have volunteers that facilitate groups to go round the park together. Joining a group is optional but it is a great way to meet others and make new friends! Over the years, we have had a lot of feedback from attendees who were really pleased to have joined a group and felt they got more out of their day because of it. However some people choose to go round the park in their own family/friendship groups, either for all or part of the day (we set up WhatsApp groups so that people can find each other if you choose to leave/join a group at any point). It is up to the individuals attending as to what they prefer. We just want everyone to enjoy their day and have fun! Note that the following groups may change on the day, either combining with another group or breaking into smaller groups. It depends on uptake and attendee numbers. 1a/b - aimed at younger ones (that don't like anything at all scary and/or those under 0.9 metres) Morning Route: CBeebies Land - Octonauts Rollercoaster, Vroomster Zoom Ride, Justin's House Pie-o-matic, Peter Rabbit Hippity Hop, Bugbie Go Round, In the Night Garden Magical Boat Ride, Postman Pat Parcel Afternoon Route: Gangsta Granny Ride, Royal Carousel, Skyride to Mutiny Bay, Hex, Battle Galleons, Haunted Hollow, Duel, Heave Ho, Congo River Rapids, Runaway Mine Train Groups 1a and 1b may split into two groups depending on how many attend. 2a & 2b - aimed at those that prefer 'medium' rides or aren't tall enough for group 3 (the 1.4-metre rides) 2a - Children (minimum height 1.2 metres) 2b - Teens/Adults (minimum height 1.2 metres) Morning Route: Wicker Man, Th13teen, Enterprise, Spinball Whizzer (Did previously include Roller Disco & Mixtape - now closed)Afternoon Route: Hex, Battle Galleons, Haunted Hollow, The Curse at Alton Manor (was previously Duel), Funk 'n' Fly Congo River Rapids, Runaway Mine Train 3a, 3b & 3c - aimed at those wanting the big rides (minimum height 1.4 metres) 3a - Children (typically aged 8 to 12/13) 3b – Teens/Young Adults (typically aged 13/14 to 21/22) 3c – Adults (typically those aged 23/24 and over) Morning Route: Oblivion, The Smiler, Rita, Th13teen Afternoon Route: Wicker Man, Galactica, Congo River Rapids, Runaway Mine Train While taking the same route 3a, 3b and 3c will go around independently. This means that a group can move on to the next ride without having to wait for everyone to come through as the groups are usually quite large. Please note: The group volunteers will be advised to follow the routes listed however they are for guidance only. The groups will aim to include the above rides but this is subject to queue times and ride closures on the day. The groups may also be able to fit more rides in that are not listed. It all depends on what happens on the day and how busy the park is. The groups have been designed based on feedback and suggestions from previous years. We're hoping that there is a group to suit all those who wish to join one. If you would like to take part in a group (whether for some or all of the day) you can make your decision based on: • The type of rides you/your child would like to go on • Height of you/your child We hope that you will all find someone in your group that you/your child would like to meet. Be advised that things can change on the day with groups splitting or joining depending on uptake and attendee numbers. We do not expect to be able to keep over 300 people together but we do want to give people the option to go around together as a big part of this is having the opportunity to meet others with alopecia which we know can be really beneficial. And there can be a lot of time waiting in queues for rides so it is nice to have people to chat to! As the day goes on, people might break into smaller groups, which is absolutely fine. We want the day to be easy-going and for everyone to just enjoy themselves and have a good time!
What about accommodation for the weekend? Expand Your accommodation for both Friday and Saturday night are included in the price of your ticket. Which accommodation you chose to stay in is down to your choice and what is available. You can see accommodation options here.
What age does my child need to be? Expand This event is suitable for children with alopecia aged 7-16. Children under the age of 7 are welcome to attend but may not be able to take part in most of the activities due to their size. Our booking will have private access to a Yurt tent on our campsite that will be open to those who can't or don't want to take part in any activities. We will bring along some arts and crafts and small games for inside the Yurt.
Should I see a dermatologist? What can I expect from a dermatology appointment? Expand A dermatologist is a specialist in skin conditions, including conditions affecting hair and nails. A dermatologist should have more extensive knowledge about types of alopecia than a GP. They should be able to provide you with a diagnosis (if there is any doubt) and explain more about the condition and explain any treatment options available to you. It is likely the dermatologist will examine your scalp (and/or other areas of hair loss) and ask you questions about your hair loss to make a diagnosis. A biopsy (a medical procedure that involves taking a small sample of body tissue from the affected area) is occasionally needed to make a diagnosis. Your dermatologist will tell you if this is required. In the majority of cases of hair loss, a diagnosis is possible without the need for a biopsy. Top Tip: Take a pen and paper to any appointment so you can make notes. It is easy to forget what is discussed. Or consider taking a friend or family member with you if you are struggling emotionally; it can be hard to take information in when we’re feeling upset.Please note, not all dermatologists have a good understanding of hair loss conditions. Dermatology covers a huge number of skin conditions and some dermatologists specialise on particular conditions e.g. psoriasis or skin cancer. It can be helpful to find a dermatologist who specialises in hair loss.
I've bought an Alopecia UK t-shirt/hoodie. When will it arrive? Expand If you buy your t-shirt/hoodie as part of your website registration (when you buy your tickets or register if you've got tickets from elsewhere) your order will go into the post in the last week of March (subject to printers delivering on time). If you buy your t-shirts/hoodies through the Charity Custom Print store they will arrive up to two weeks after you have placed your order.
When will the event take place? Expand Saturday 15th April 2023. Alton Towers will open at 10am however our tickets allow us entry at 9:30am. Ride queues close at approximately 5/5:30pm (this can change on the day depending how busy they are). We ask people to arrive between 9am and 10am.
Merchandise for sale on the day Expand We will have the following on sale between 9:15 and 10am and then again 12:30-2:30 in the Hospitality Suite: AUK Wristbands Badges Alopecia UK t-shirts Alopecia UK Hoodies Alopecia UK Beanies Please note, we will only have a very limited amount of each of these merchandise options on the day so we strongly advise purchasing yours when you purchase your tickets.
Timings Expand 9:15 – 10am – Collect your packs from AUK Volunteers (wearing yellow high vis vests) and join a group if you wish. (NB: Arriving AFTER 10am will not have the same ‘buzz’ as arriving before 10am as the groups will have gone through). See here for more information on ticket collection: https://www.alopecia.org.uk/faqs/arrival-information-and-ticket-collection 10am - Organised groups go through to the park with their volunteer. See more about organised groups here: - https://www.alopecia.org.uk/faqs/groups 1:30pm – 2:25pm - Lunchtime meet up. Will take place in the Hospitality Suite which is next to Spinball Whizzer (and will be circled on your AUK map). See more about the lunchtime meet up here: https://www.alopecia.org.uk/faqs/lunchtime-meet-up 2:30pm - Big group photo near the Hospitality Suite. We'll all walk out together, please stand between the markers. We like to try and show how the group grows each year so it's great if people can get along for this! 2:45pm - We’ll send groups off round the park again. 4:55pm - Final Group Photo Opportunity. The park ride queues shut at 5pm. We aim to get the last rides of the day on Runaway Mine Train and fill the train with people wearing blue tops (at our last Alton Towers event we filled it six times over as there were so many of us!). 5pm – Ride queues close.
What can/can't I bring to the event? Expand Just bring yourself. If attending the Saturday night dinner maybe wear something blue! If attending the Sunday Awareness Walk then please do consider purchasing an Alopecia UK t-shirt or hoodie which you can purchase with your ticket or at the event (please note at the event we will only have a small stock and cannot guarantee to have the item/size you need). We do not allow anyone to bring their own products for advertisement/sale at any part of the event.
Do I have to bring my email confirmation to the event? Expand Yes you need your email confirmation (either printed or digitally) for entrance to the event.
What is the refund policy? Expand Refunds will only be given up until 3rd February 2023 after which time no refunds will be given.
I have ordered a T-shirt and/or merchandise. Will I receive these in the post? Expand No. T-shirts and merchandise will be available to collect at any point during the Big Weekend from the Alopecia UK stall. Please bring with you your confirmation email (either printed or digitally).
Where can I contact Alopecia UK with any further questions? Expand You can contact a member of the Alopecia UK team on [email protected] or 0800 101 7025 (between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday).
Do I have alopecia? How do I know if I have alopecia? Expand The word ‘alopecia’ simply means hair loss. If you are experiencing any more hair loss than what is normal for you, you are experiencing some type of alopecia. The next step is identifying which type of alopecia you have. We recommend you first speak to a GP. If your GP is unable to make a diagnosis, they may refer you to a dermatologist. You can read more about the different types of alopecia here. Please note, ‘alopecia’ is often used by doctors as an abbreviated way to discuss ‘alopecia areata’. This can be confusing when there are different types of alopecia too! If in any doubt as to what type of alopecia your GP is referring to, ask them to clarify.
Where can I find a dermatologist specialising in hair loss? Expand There is an organisation called the British Hair and Nail Society (BHNS), made up of members who are dermatologists specialising in hair and nail conditions. They have a ‘Find a Specialist’ page on their website. BHNS members are made up of both private and NHS doctors. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list as not all dermatologists specialising in hair loss have chosen to be members of BHNS.
Can you recommend a hairdresser who is sensitive to those with hair loss? Expand Firstly, it is worth remembering that hairdressers come into contact with alopecia on a very regular basis. They are often the first person to recognise hair loss. Most hairdressers will treat their clients sensitively regarding their hair loss. MyNewHair is a charity founded by and inspired by Trevor Sorbie MBE. They provide public advice and support a national network of independent salons and professionals who provide a wig styling service for people suffering from cancer and medical hair loss. Each professional who signs up to MyNewHair’s network pledges their commitment to responsible training and providing a caring and sensitive service for their clients. Many MyNewHair stylists are trained to cut and style wigs and they have a 'salon finder' on their website. You can find more information here.
Does Alopecia UK accept hair donations? Expand Alopecia UK does not accept hair donations. Being a small charity, we do not have the resources to process hair donations. There is a charity called the Little Princess Trust (LPT) that accept hair donations and provide free wigs to children and young adults aged 24 and under with medical hair loss, including cancer and alopecia. Some individuals who cut their hair as a way of raising awareness, ask their family and friends to sponsor them for the haircut. Many choose to do this to raise much-needed funds for Alopecia UK, whilst donating the hair donation to Little Princess Trust. This is a great way to support two causes.
How can Alopecia UK help me to meet others with alopecia? Expand Alopecia UK specialises in peer support. We understand the importance of being in touch with others who understand the alopecia journey. We facilitate this in the following ways: Private Facebook Groups Alopecia UK (main group) - with over 10,000 members and lots of daily support posts Alopecia UK Products & Services Chat Group - a group dedicated to advice and information sharing about products and services relating to alopecia such as wigs, headwear, make up, permanent make up and scalp micropigmentation AUK Parents Chat Group - a group for parents to chat with each other and share their experiences AUK Men's Chat Group - a group for men to share their experiences with each other Alopecia Café meetings Alopecia Café is an online meeting space to meet others, share experiences and talk about ways you can manage your alopecia. We are open to adults in the UK (18+) with all types of hair loss. Details can be found here. Local Support Groups We have a network of local support groups across the UK for adults, teens and children. Details can be found here. Online Meetings for Young People (aged 13-18) We host online meetings for teens affected by alopecia. Details can be found here. Online Meetings for Children (aged up to 12) Online meetings for children affected by alopecia can be found here. Events Alopecia UK also hosts events for people affected by alopecia. Find out about upcoming events here.