A HOSPICE has launched a digital campaign to get people to "bare their roots" and raise vital cash for the charity while hairdressers are closed.  

Lydia Plews, business development officer, at Havens Hospices, came up with the idea following the cancellation of the hospices many upcoming fundraising events, due to Covid-19.

Lydia and the rest of the team at Havens are encouraging those who usually dye their hair and unable to get to the hairdressers during these unprecedented times, to share photos or videos of their growing roots on their social media channels - with the hashtag #BareYourRoots - while nominating friends to get involved and also donate. 

Lydia's mum, Mary, was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in April 2010. Mary was cared for at Fair Havens hospice until her last moments before she died aged 54, in July 2012.

Lydia, said: “During my mum’s time at the hospice, the doctors and nurses were brilliant. In her last two weeks, the hospice arranged pull out beds for my sister and I to sleep on – nothing was too much trouble.

"She was absolutely clear she didn’t want to die at home so to be at the hospice being cared for by a trained palliative care team – who involved us in everything – was just amazing.” 

Lydia wants as many people to get involved as possible to help raise money for the hospice during this difficult time in light of the charity having to postpone their vital fundraising events.  

She, added: “My mum was a nurse at Southend Hospital, and I know if she was here, she would still be working.

"The hospice needs even more support now than ever before during these tough times and I thought this would be a fun away for people to communicate with their friends whilst stuck at home as well as raise money at the same time.

“We have already had a nurse from Fair Havens sign up ‘baring her roots’ and a gentleman who is collecting sponsorship to shave his head – he has raised an amazing £300 already.

"We can’t wait to see everyone’s hair - whether you bare your roots, grow your hair or shave your head, you will be a "Havens Hair Hero!". 

For those people who don’t dye their hair, they may want to get people to sponsor them to grow their hair out or even to shave it off instead. 

Pets dogs can even get involved too now dog grooming shops are closed.

Havens Hospices are still caring for patients at the hospices and in the community at this time and it is vital they continue to raise money for the hospice so they can provide the care their patients need.  

To get involved, nominate friends, share photos and make a suggested donation of £3 or any amount, via www.justgiving.com/team/Bareyourroots

People can also donate via www.havenshospices.org.uk and click on the "donate" button.  

Don’t forget to tag @HavensHospices in your posts on social media with the #BareYourRoots and #HavensHairHero hashtags.

Share your hair updates either at the end of the campaign or at the end of each week.

The campaign will finish once the hairdressers and barbers open again.