TWO friends from Northwich said goodbye to their long blonde locks after months of fundraising for St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice.

Hayley Hughes, 29, and Corryn Walsh, 33, smashed their £5000 fundraising target by raising more than £9000 from various fundraising events in the build up to the final chop.

The pair, who both work at Barclays in Northwich, also donated their hair to the Little Princess Trust, which provides free wigs to children who have lost their hair through cancer treatment.

Hayley said: “It’s very different but has been very liberating. Also every little breeze sends a shiver down your spine.

“I think it has really opened my eyes as to how those who have lost their hair through chemotherapy may feel when out in public as people really do stare.

“I am now finding I pay more attention to my make-up and accessories than I did before as you do feel quite exposed. You have to find new confidence to just embrace the bald.”

The pair had many months to mentally prepare themselves for losing their hair, but that didn’t make it any less daunting on the day.

Corryn said: “I was nervous. Obviously it’s a big thing for a woman to shave her head. I just had to keep in mind why I was doing it.

“We are very fortunate to give our hair freely and for two amazing causes. My hair going to The Little Princess Trust feels amazing.

“Not only have we raised all this money for St Luke’s but to also help a child to have hair again after losing their own is an incredible feeling.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I consider that this would be as successful as it has been. I am so grateful to everyone involved for all their support. “

Mark Porter, Corporate and Community Fundraiser for St Luke’s, thanked the two friends for their ‘sheer determination’ to follow through with their goal.

He said: “Hayley and Corryn are two fantastic individuals who were100 per cent committed to raising their target and shaving their heads in aid of St Luke’s Hospice.

“Both ladies demonstrated sheer determination to raise money for St Luke’s and we are very thankful.”