Sandford local Jill Warren, bravely volunteered to shave her hair in aid of the ‘Little Princess Trust’ this week at The Railway Inn, smashing a target of £1000, by raising over £1300 on the night.

On donating her hair to such a good cause, Jill said, “Having so many people around me go through the trauma of chemotherapy and emotional pain of losing their hair made me wonder what I could do to help. The Little Princess Trust charity donates wigs that would normally cost hundreds of pounds to young girls who, at such a young age, must feel incredibly conscious and protective over their hair and appearance. My years of caring over my hair are over, and my hope is that it can give a much-needed and deserved confidence boost to a brave little girl or young woman”.

Auction prizes during the evening included a day out at Mendip Spring Golf Club, and signed memorabilia from Bath Rugby and recent Grand National winning Jockey Davey Russell and other fellow jockeys. Generous local businesses donated gift vouchers and products to aid the raffle, which also drew the attention of other customers in the pub who were keen to participate.

As well as a charity auction and raffle to help raise money, The Railway Inn also made a donation from the ticket sales of a three-course meal hosted in the restaurant for Jill’s friends, family and supporters.

Entertainment was hosted by local outfit ‘The Pigeon Thieves’, who performed an array of rock and pop hits throughout the evening.

The night was capped off with Jill’s hair being shaved by friend and hairdresser Olivia Paisey. There were cheers of encouragement and rapturous applause from start to finish, as well as a continual beaming smile from Jill, who clearly had no second thoughts in her heroic decision to go through with the donation.

A truly inspiring event, so much so that friend Arnold announced that should the room raise a further £100 in 5 minutes he would volunteer to shave not only his hair but his beard and all! The room put together over £250 in minutes to bring about the second shave of the night, and to those that know him an unrecognisable man!

In the days after the event donations have continued to pour in from friends, locals and well-wishers.

Dan Townsend, joint manager at The Railway Inn says, “We’re thankful to Jill for allowing us to be a part of her charity evening, and of course grateful to all those who helped towards such a valiant cause.”