We are very lucky at Alopecia UK to have some wonderful people do some wonderful things to raise funds and awareness. We caught up with Elayne McAvoy from Northern Ireland to find about her recent efforts...

Why did you decide to do some fundraising for Alopecia UK?

I decided to start fundraising after losing most of my hair between October 2018 and early 2019. My grandmother has also suffered from alopecia for over 20 years so it is a condition that is very close to my heart.

Tell us about your fundraising – what did it involve?

I began to fundraise a few months ago by opening an online fundraising page on Alopecia UK's website. At that stage I had no ideas how i'd raise funds but knew there would be an event in the near future. That’s when one of my colleagues suggested he would shave his hair for me. His hair was long and curly so this was a big deal! I then decided to host a bbq / wig party to coincide with the head shave. Everyone came with funky wigs and my closest friends even sported “bald” wigs in support of me! There was food, drinks and dancing- not to mention the bungee run - where the big kids had so much fun! Friends and family also kindly donated raffle prizes too. 

How does it feel to have had others get involved in a cause close to your heart?

I feel totally overwhelmed that so many people have supported this massively underrepresented charity. It has been amazing to raise awareness and give something back, I know now how important support is, having the tables turned from being a supporter of my granny to having to rely on the support of others for the same condition.

Are you pleased with the amount you’ve raised? Anyone you wish to thank?

The total I raised was genuinely beyond all my expectations, I set the target at £1000 thinking if I raised half of that I would be so happy, my total now sits at £2020, to say I am proud is an understatement, I am just a normal girl who got an idea in my head to keep myself focused on this journey. I would like to thank my husband, family and friends for all their support, those who donated raffle prizes, to my colleague for bravely saying good bye to his precious curls and each and every person who donated. If this money can help just one person then it’s been worth it.

A HUGE thank you to Elayne for raising such a phenomenal amount for Alopecia UK. It really is thanks to fundraisers like Elayne that allow us to continue the work we do to improve the lives of those affected by alopecia through our aims of Support, Awareness and Research. 

Remember, whether you raise £20, £200 or £2000 every single penny raised is greatly appreciate and really does make a difference. If you have been inspired by Elayne and would like to do your own fundraising, please get involved!

CLICK HERE FOR SOME FUNDRAISING IDEAS AND RESOURCES