Nurse shaves off her hair for charity

05/01/2022

A 49-year-old district nurse from Gloucestershire brought in the New Year with a ‘big chop’ – shaving off all her hair to raise vital funds for a charity which provides end-of-life care to local families in their homes.

Elaine Pratten, a mum of two from Cheltenham and a district nurse team lead for Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, says the pandemic has highlighted more than ever the vital care given by Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice helping to keep patients safe at home.

BEFORE: Elaine pictured before her head shave

“The pandemic has resulted in more tension on our healthcare service than ever before,” Elaine said. “The pressure on our hospitals and on district and community nurses is incredible, and staff have been dealing with so much.

“As a district nurse in Cheltenham I see every day how vital Sue Ryder’s services are. From palliative support via their virtual day hospice, to expert medical and nursing care at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice inpatient unit to their amazing Hospice at Home team who ensure people are safe and supported in their preferred place of care.

“I wanted to do something to raise funds for Sue Ryder’s Hospice at Home team as their service is vital to provide the personal care and support patients and families need, in addition to nursing care.

“Community nursing teams throughout Gloucestershire work tirelessly to support people to stay at home at the end of life, and avoid unnecessary hospital admission. We are unable to do this alone and rely on the services provided by Sue Ryder.

“When we know that a patient is going to be supported by the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice at Home team there is just a huge sense of relief as we know that the family will be well looked after. We know that the patient will be kept safe at home and that we can help families keep going. The knowledge, expertise and the staff working at Sue Ryder are just incredible.”

Elaine said the pandemic was also responsible for her idea to shave off her hair.

AFTER: Elaine clutching some of her chopped off locks

AFTER: Elaine clutching some of her chopped off locks

“Like many people I grew my hair during lockdown. Whilst contemplating a restyle I've decided to go the distance and Brave the Shave!

“I have always had short hair, but it grew during our various lockdowns over the pandemic and it is now the longest it has been for a while. With 2022 ahead of us I have been thinking about having a change and having a short pixie cut but I wanted to go one further and raise money for Sue Ryder. I even delayed my hair cut until the winter so I could cover it by wearing a hat!”

Elaine shaved her head on New Year’s Eve, with the help of her children aged 11 and eight.

She added: "The kids are really excited – my husband is bald so they have all been laughing saying that mum and dad will be matching. Both children were keen to be hands-on with the charity challenge and shave off my hair for me!”

By braving the shave Elaine set out to raise £250, but after generous support is hoping she can raise even more.

“At first I hoped to raise £250 but we had already hit this by mid-December so I am looking to increase my fundraising target to £500. It is the first time I have ever done anything like this for charity, so I am really grateful to friends, family and supporters for donating.”

To donate to Elaine’s ‘Brave the Shave’ challenge visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Elaine-Pratten

For more information on Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice visit www.sueryder.org/leckhampton

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Nurse shaves off her hair for charity