Gills story

I have AU Alopecia Universalis. Complete loss of hair on the scalp and body. I was told by the dermatologist that my hair will not return after 1 year of hair loss, not an easy thing to take in.

I had shoulder length hair in 1996 and my hairdresser noticed a small patch of missing hair behind my ear about as big as a 2p, when I went for my next appointment it had gone over the next 18mths this happened regularly, then one visit it had not grown back, and another had appeared, and they were getting bigger. My Dr told me not to worry about it as it was stress related!! I then had a large patch through the back of my head and I noticed the hair getting thinner, within 3 weeks I had lost over 50% of my hair it was thin and patchy. As my Dr did not refer me I went and purchased a wig from a big wig shop, looking back it was awful, but at the time I had no choice.

Being a bald woman makes you stand out, people can make comments, stare at you. this make me feel conscious of my appearance. As i get older my confidence has dropped and it does stop me doing things and going onto social situations. I just want to blend in not stand out. I stopped wearing wigs as being totally bald, the construction of most wig caps are hard and cause irritation and discomfort.

Why im supporting this .

As a hairdresser I see everyday how doing someones hair can make them feel. The new found glow they have when i look in the mirror after a restyle, the smile that stays with them as they leave the salon when they have a fabulous blowdry; the new found confidence in themselves just from covering up those annoying grey hairs. This is a privalige so many of us take for granted and knowing Gill personally she is such a remarkable person and its such a shame that a lot of people just can't see past the alopecia. Raising money for this new wig will not only help her self confidence but allow her to trust that there are good people left who truly care.

All donations will go directly to Gill in order for her to personally select the perfect human hair wig for her. The wig she wanrs is the follea human hair wig which costs around £3000. This wig will last for years and look totally naturally and allow we to start the next chapter of her life.