Exclusive by Alan Quick

AN appeal has been issued for 100 people from the area to take part in a mass head shaving/hair cutting event in Crediton - all in aid of the local charity Hospiscare.

Haircut 100 is the inspiration of brother and sister, Hannah and Ian Stoyle, who live in Crediton.

Hannah and Ian told the “Courier”: “Two years ago we lost our brother to cancer. He spent his last few weeks staying with Hospiscare in Exeter.

“The level of care, support, understanding and professionalism was truly amazing, as I’m sure those of you who have come into contact with this service already know. It has inspired us to organise an event to raise money for Hospiscare.

“Our aim is to get 100 people signed up and committed to have their hair cut on Sunday, July 23, in Crediton Town Square.

“We ask that each individual person taking part aims to raise more than £100 in sponsorship, in order to meet our target of £10,000.

“We have teamed up with R&G Barbers of Crediton who will be shaving participants heads to a grade zero finish.

“Alternatively, if people with longer hair want to get involved without shaving their heads, seven inches of hair can be cut off and donated to Little Princess Trust, this hair is then used to make wigs for ill children.”

Already a number of volunteers have stepped forward to have their hair cut but more are needed and £900 has been promised, to-date.

Hannah and Ian added: “If you would like to be part of the Haircut 100 Team, and are willing to have your head shaved, or would like to donate seven inches of hair, please email us at: [email protected] .

“We would ask that you are completely committed to having your hair shaved/cut, and will do all that you can to raise £100 in sponsorship money.

“The haircutting will take place between 10am and 4pm.

“If we are able to raise more than our target of £10,000 through the activities held on the day, a further donation will also be made towards a new Crediton Devon Air Ambulance night-time landing pad.”

They added: “These are worthy causes, so please get involved.”

Sponsors are sought and a donation page has been set up online at: https://www.justgiving.com/teams/CreditonHaircut100 .

Those who donate on-line are asked to make sure they use the Gift Aid facility if eligible.

Donations would be welcomed and can also be made during the day, when spectators will be welcome.

Hannah and Ian added: “We really hope the community will get involved in this fun, fundraising event, including business or company staff or other groups of people.”

Further details can also be found at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1440365366023673/ .

Hospiscare provides free and specialised nursing to the terminally ill in Exeter, Mid and East Devon.

It looks after more than 700 patients at any one time, supporting patients in their own homes and in its hospices. It relies on the generosity of the community to provide this vital service, and many volunteers and fundraisers.

The charity was started by Dr John Searle when he moved to Exeter and worked with the then Bishop of Crediton to initiate a local hospice service.

In 1982 more than 400 people crowded into Exeter’s Guildhall when a £350,000 public appeal was launched to establish a community-based nurse service covering six miles from the cathedral.

The Exeter hospice was opened in 1992 and extended in 2011. A hospice was opened in Tiverton in 2011 and a day hospice established in Honiton in 2015.