Chester joins Mad Hair Day fundraising extravaganza

Head Injury People charity urging everyone to take part in wacky event on May 13

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Chester Chronicle

09:30, 2 MAY 2016

Clare Emerton, charity fundraiser and coordinator for HIP in Cheshire, with fundraisers from Birchall Blackburn Law at last year's Mad Hair Day

A head injury charity is calling on Chester’s businesses, groups, schools and colleges to go mad with their hair on Friday, May 13, for Action for Brain Injury Awareness Week.

Head Injury People (HIP) in Cheshire, based at the Countess of Chester Health Park, is asking everyone to wear a wacky wig or silly hair style for the day to support head injury survivors, their carers, friends and family.

HIP in Cheshire aims to reduce loneliness, isolation and improve the quality of life for people, including their family and friends, trying to cope after a serious brain injury.

Linda Sant, from Chester, suffered a brain injury following a subarachnoid brain haemorrhage while working in a shop in Chester. She now volunteers for HIP Cheshire and says: “We’re all looking forward to the Mad Hair Day. It’s great fun. We’re hoping as many people in the Chester area as possible will get involved and spread the message about brain injury and just how common it is.

“You can’t underestimate the difference donations make to the members of HIP in Cheshire. Facing the rest of your life with a head injury is frightening and lonely. The symptoms are complicated and often change with time. But HIP in Cheshire is like one big family. We’re all in the same boat and understand the feelings and emotions. The group really makes a difference.”

Clare Emerton, charity fundraiser and coordinator for HIP in Cheshire, said: “We’d love to see as many Chester businesses, offices, groups, students and school children as possible taking part in our Mad Hair Day. It’s easy to register for our event pack and participants simply donate a pound to the vital work we do.

“Mad Hair Day also raises awareness of brain injury within our communities. More than 2,500 people in Cheshire live with a brain condition but often the consequences are hidden. A brain injury can show no physical symptoms but behind the mask of ‘normality’ a person, and their family and friends, can struggle to cope with devastating neurological symptoms. We need to get people talking about head injuries and a wacky hairstyle is one way of doing it!”

This year’s Mad Hair Day for HIP in Cheshire is being supported by Chester solicitors, Birchall Blackburn Law.

Dianne Yates, partner and head of serious and catastrophic injury for Birchall Blackburn Law, said: “We had a great time last year pulling on colourful wigs to help Clare and the team collect donations in Chester city centre. The city’s residents and visitors were so kind and generous.

“Most people know of someone who has suffered a brain injury through an illness or accident, but still so little is known about the effects it can have on a person’s life. We see it all the time when helping brain injury victims. It can be utterly devastating and isolating. HIP in Cheshire is there to help pick up the pieces and it’s an amazing charity that our clients can rely on for inspiration and hope.”