Holly tells us her story, 

“The experience of cutting all my hair off was something I have been planning for two years but the actual event brought a whole new meaning for me. My wish was to help to support the charity, YoungMinds in their ‘fight for a future where all young minds are supported and empowered’ and to help to change our society to reduce the stigma of mental health issues. 

Every member of my family came along to the hair salon with me on Thursday 30 May. I have never felt so simultaneously excited by, and yet so afraid of an experience. During the haircut, I began to feel both liberated and incredibly proud of the money that I was raising for YoungMinds. My worries about my appearance, although still daunting, began to drift away as I realised what an amazing difference the funds raised will make towards helping young people with mental health issues. We livestreamed the event on social media and it was wonderful to have the support of my family, friends and my school. The whole experience was unbelievably uplifting, and I could not have done it without everyone’s help, especially Lino Carbosiero to whom I am very grateful.” 

If you would like to support Holly’s fundraising for YoungMinds, there is still time to donate on her JustGiving page 

YoungMinds aims to make sure children and young people get the best possible mental health support and have the resilience to overcome life’s difficulties.

Watch the timelapse video of Holly’s haircut here