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  1. FAQs

Timings

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  • 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. UPDATE: 25/03/2022 - Alton Towers have now extended the park opening hours. The park ride queues will now close at 6 pm. 

Published: 27th March, 2019

Updated: 25th March, 2022

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Do I have alopecia? How do I know if I have alopecia?

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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. 

Published: 17th February, 2022

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Should I see a dermatologist? What can I expect from a dermatology appointment?

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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. 

Published: 17th February, 2022

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Where can I find a dermatologist specialising in hair loss?

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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. 

Published: 17th February, 2022

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Can you recommend a hairdresser who is sensitive to those with hair loss?

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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.

Published: 17th February, 2022

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Does Alopecia UK accept hair donations?

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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.

Published: 17th February, 2022

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Chair - Professor Simon Milling

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Profession: 

Professor of Immunology

Relevant organisations/institutions:

University of Glasgow & Chair of Research Committee 

Research areas of interest/specialisms:

  • The immunology of the intestine
  • Inflammation and autoimmunity

Work/academic background:

Simon received his PhD in Immunology in 1996 from Imperial College, London. He then worked as a researcher in Philadelphia and Oxford. Simon took up a position as a lecturer in Immunology in Glasgow in 2007.

The work in his lab focuses on two areas, both involving the immunology of the intestine: basic studies of the functions of dendritic cells in controlling healthy intestinal immune responses and more applied projects to understand potentially intestine-related inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

Relevant weblinks:

Further information about Simon can be found on the University of Glasgow website.
Further information about Simon's lab can be found here.
See Simon's Google Scholar list here.

Published: 24th August, 2018

Updated: 17th February, 2022

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How can Alopecia UK help me to meet others with alopecia?

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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. 

Published: 17th February, 2022

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Does Alopecia UK accept wig donations? Can I send my unwanted wigs to Alopecia UK?

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Alopecia UK does not have the resources to be able to process any wig donations. However, there is a wig bank run by Lyndsey Brack of Diamond Hair Solutions. To date, Lyndsey has raised over £6,000 for Alopecia UK by recycling unwanted wigs and selling them and donating a percentage of the proceeds. You can read all about the Diamond Wig Bank North East, including details of how to send any unwanted wigs to Lyndsey here.

Published: 17th February, 2022

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How do I set up a fundraising page for Alopecia UK?

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It is simple to set up a fundraising page on our website. Just follow the instructions provided and we will approve your page as soon as we can. Create your fundraising page here. If you set up your page on a weekend, you will need to wait until the next working day for your page to be approved.

Alternatively, if you prefer the Justgiving platform you can set up a fundraising page with them here. We encourage fundraisers to set up pages on our website because the fees are lower than Justgiving. We are happy to welcome pages on either platform. 

Published: 15th February, 2022

Updated: 16th February, 2022

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What fundraising events do you have that I can get involved in?

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Being the small charity we are, we do not have our own fundraising events for you to join. We rely on inspiring individuals to do their own thing to raise funds and awareness for Alopecia UK. If you are looking for inspiration, check out our Fundraising Ideas - A-Z. Or have a browse on our website to see what others have done to raise funds for Alopecia UK. 

We do not have the capacity to purchase large numbers of places in externally organised challenge events. Again, we rely on individuals securing their own places and using those to raise funds for Alopecia UK. There are lots of different events from a variety of event organisers across the UK. 

Published: 15th February, 2022

Updated: 16th February, 2022

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What about accommodation for the weekend?

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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.

Published: 21st October, 2019

Updated: 2nd February, 2022

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Arrival Information and Ticket Collection

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Arrival

Please allow yourself plenty of time to get to Alton Towers and plan your route beforehand (see Alton Towers website). Setting off earlier than the Sat Nav suggests the journey will take will hopefully reduce the risk of you arriving late. 

Please note Alton Towers is a big place and you need to park up and allow time to get to the Entrance Plaza (where we will be).

The Monorail takes visitors from the car park to the Theme Park entrance. The Monorail opens from 9am (Subject to operational restrictions) each day and closes one hour after the advertised ride close.

Alternatively, you can walk from the car park to the theme park entrance. It takes between 10 and 30 minutes, depending where you have parked your car.

Car Park walking times to Entrance:

A,B,C - 10-15 Minutes

D,E,F,G,H - 18-22 Minutes

J,M,N,O,P - 22-28 Minutes


Ticket Collection

You must collect your tickets and event packs between 9:15am and 10:00am from AUK Volunteers (who will be wearing yellow high viz vests and blue Alopecia UK t-shirts) at the park entrance plaza.

You will soon spot us (look for all the blue t-shirts)!  Please bring either your confirmation email (paper or digital) OR proof of ID in the name of the person who booked in order to collect your theme park tickets. 

Organised groups will start going around the park at 10am. 

If you are late: If arriving after 10am please text the event organiser (details will be sent to those who have booked closer to the time) and include your name and estimated arrival time. 

Please DO NOT PHONE! That first hour is really busy for the volunteer team and unfortunately no one has time to answer the phone.  Don’t worry we will not just leave you. Once most of the attendees have gathered their tickets we will check the phone to see who has sent a text. Please bear in mind though that we will only wait until 11am before going in to the park. 


What to do after ticket collection

From 9.30am (once you have collected your tickets) you will be able to enter the park. If you would like to join one of our organised groups you will be able to head to the Hospitality Suite to meet the group volunteers and other attendees. Organised groups will start heading around the park at 10am. 

If you would prefer not to join an organised group you may start heading around the park from 9.30am. 

Don't worry there will be plenty of AUK volunteers around to help you figure out what to do and where to go! 

Published: 24th March, 2019

Updated: 17th January, 2022

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What age does my child need to be?

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This event is suitable for children with alopecia aged 8-14. Children with alopecia aged 15/16 are still welcome to attend however we cannot guarantee there will be other children there that are their age. 

Siblings under the age of 8 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 we 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. 

Published: 28th May, 2021

Updated: 13th January, 2022

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