SHAVING their hair, even for a worthy cause, would be a daunting prospect to most people, but not for fundraiser Anne Soffe, who is counting the days until her buzz cut in support of the Adver’s 160 Appeal.

Hospice care has touched Anne’s life in more ways than one over the last few years as well as that of her husband Mark. While Anne’s ex-partner is being cared for by a Somerset hospice, Mark’s former companion died at Prospect Hospice.

Several of their friends and acquaintances were also looked after by the Wroughton charity in their final days.

Determined to support the worthy cause and ensure help is available to anyone diagnosed with a life-limiting illness in Swindon and beyond, the 55-year-old jumped at the opportunity to chop off her royal blue locks to attract donations.

“My friend’s grandfather is in Prospect now and Mark’s former partner died at Prospect,” said Anne, of Penhill.

“My ex-partner is at a hospice in Somerset. And quite a few patients I deal with at the pharmacy are using or have used it.

“A headshave is something I’ve talked about doing for a long time because I can’t do anything physical since I have had a triple hip replacement and my knees and shoulders are also going.

“It might shock people but I’m quite happy to do that. It needs to be something that grabs people’s attention so that they give money.

Anne is one of several people who have already signed up to have their head shaved at JJ’s hair salon in Havelock on July 1 in support of the Adver’s appeal to raise £160,000 for Prospect Hospice.

The pharmacy employee, who also works with adults with learning disabilities, is hoping to raise a minimum of £1,000.

“What the hospice does is give tender loving care,” she said. “There are a lot more appropriate names for end of life care but we call it TLC.”

Anne is planning to christen her newly-bald head with a henna tattoo. She will auction off her long ponytail on eBay.