A CREDITON man is to lose his dreadlocks and have his head shaved bald in aid of charity on Monday, February 15.

Robin Yarwood is raising funds for the charity Refuge and his friends and family have already sponsored him to raise more than £1,125.

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?

"Join me in a head shaving, cave man deleting, clean shave creating evening on Monday, February 15.

"I’ll be doing a live stream supporting a good cause!

"I’m raising money for Refuge and your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate 5p or £500. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your support."

He added: "Facebook pays all the processing fees for you, so 100 per cent of your donation goes directly to the charity.

"Refuge opened the world’s first refuge in Chiswick, West London, in 1971. It 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.

"Refuge also offers community-based outreach services, culturally specific services and a team of independent domestic violence advocates (IDVAs), which supports women at the highest risk of serious injury or homicide.

"Refuge also runs award-winning media and advertising campaigns to raise public awareness of the issue and campaigns and lobbies for better provision for women and children experiencing domestic violence."