A CREDITON man who lost his dreadlocks and had his head shaved bald in aid of the domestic abuse charity, Refuge, says he is “thrilled to pieces” that thanks to many supporters he has raised £1,715 for the charity.

“I am in absolute awe of how many fantastic people I have around me who donated,” explained Robin Yarwood.

Prior to his haircut, Robin explained: "During the span of the pandemic many factors of our lives have been impacted harshly.

"One of those factors that many people are facing today is domestic violence. Statistically, the number of domestic violence cases has risen by seven per cent, 259,324 offences (excluding fraud) flagged as domestic abuse-related in the UK between the period of March to June 2020.

"This represents a seven per cent increase from 242,413 in the same period in 2019 and an 18 per cent increase from 218,968 in 2018. As you can see this a huge problem many are facing and who are we if we’re not doing our bit to support each other?”

Refuge is now the country’s largest single provider of specialist accommodation and support to women and children escaping domestic violence and other forms of violence and abuse. On any given day Refuge supports more than 6,000 women, children and men.

Refuge provides emergency accommodation through a national network of refuges, alongside many other specialist services, including the freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247.