MUM Lilly Balchin says the thought of shaving her head to raise money for our Give Us A Chance appeal does not scare her.

Miss Balchin, 21, of Lewington Close, Melksham, hopes to raise £1,000 for the nursery that is helping her three-year-old daughter, Poppy-Rose.

She said: “Poppy is a new child since she started at the centre. She used to just sit and watch the world go by but now she takes an interest and is much more active.”

Poppy-Rose, who is her middle child of three, suffers from cerebral palsy and a rare skin condition called incontenetia pigmentia, which causes a rash and neurological problems.

Miss Balchin is delighted the Give Us A Chance appeal has hit is target of £10,000, which compensates for a cut in central government funding, but the fundraising is continuing to help the centre meet its £50,000 annual running costs.

She said: “I am really pleased the Gazette has raised so much money for the appeal so quickly but I know it is important for us to keep fundraising to make up the rest of the shortfall.

“I want to do everything I can to help the centre because it has been such a lifeline for me.

“I am not worried about shaving my head as I used to have quite wild hairstyles when I was younger.

“The thing about hair is that it grows back. I have been growing it for about three years now and it is shoulder length.

“I have set up a Virgin Money account and once it reaches £1,000 in donations I will do the head shave.

“I am confident I can reach the target as I had pledges of £160 in just a day.”

The former Stonar and Corsham School pupil is being supported by her family and friends.

She said: “They all know what a help the opportunity centre has been to us. We were referred there by a health visitor when Poppy was about 18 months and all of the staff have been fantastic to us.

“They really support us both and have helped so much with her speech and walking.

“Poppy often runs in without saying goodbye because she loves going there and has so much fun.”

Miss Balchin, who has two other children Joseph, four and Benjam 18 months, is promoting her fundraising by posting on Facebook and putting posters around Melksham.

To make a donation, go to virginmoneygiving.com/LillyBalchin