NOTHING says a fresh start like a new head of hair, and no one deserves a fresh start like domestic abuse victim Kayleigh Fisher.

The 25-year-old from Middleaze spent 14 months living at the Women’s Refuge before finding her own feet and moving on in July, and now she wants to give something back to the charity, Women’s Aid, who put her on her feet.

“The work these people do literally saves lives,” said the mum of two.

“As an ex-resident I am eternally grateful for the support and help enabling me and my children to have a second chance.

“It’s also about raising awareness of the refuge, because I don’t think people really realise what it is actually like and the support that is there.

“If I had known what it was like I would probably have left sooner. I thought I would only have a room to myself and I’d have to share a kitchen and bathroom with another woman and her family and we’d have to share everything.

“But it’s not like that at all. When I turned up and they showed me to the flat I asked which room was ours and they said all of them; I was amazed.

“I just think a lot of people don’t even know that they’re there.

“When we came here my little boy wouldn’t talk to anyone, wouldn’t play with everyone, and then when we left he was one of the most confident children in there.

“And that’s all just down to the amazing support we had.

“It was the same for me. I was depressed and had no self-esteem or confidence.

“Now I don’t let anyone treat me badly.

“I have loads of confidence and I have my own place now.

“And that’s all down to the support from Swindon Women’s Aid. But everything costs money, and I just wanted to do what I could to give something back.”

Kayleigh has until February 23 to grow out her hair before getting the big snip.

She is already £145 on her way to her £500 target, and is just hoping as many people as possible get behind her and show their support for the charity.

She said: “I am going to have a number-one and it’s going to be completely gone.

“I don’t exactly know why I wanted to do a head shave.

“There’s something about getting a fresh start by doing it, I think, and I have had a fresh start thanks to Swindon Women’s Aid.

“I am in a much better place than I ever was and it’s quite a good way to make that a complete fresh start by having my head shaved.”

To show your support, sponsor Kayleigh online at www.my.give.net/boldlybrave, and find out more about the event at www.facebook.com/events/1527814914170519