I've always said I would shave my head one day - and as I approached my last "big" birthday it became a promise. This would be the year. So I have grown my hair for the past three years with the idea that I would quietly donate it to the Little Princess Trust for children and young adults who have lost their hair due to illness (https://www.littleprincesses.org.uk NB if anyone has ever told you, as they did me, you cannot donate your hair if it is coloured - it's not true - do it). But a friend challenged me: I couldn't do something like this and not try to raise money for a good cause. Because, let's face it, I'm never going to run a marathon! 

But what cause? If you, like me, have got even close to middle age or beyond (what is that these days anyway, middle age?), you will have been affected by diseases that seem cruel or unfair: Dementia, Cancer, Heart Disease, Stroke, Aids and Mental Illness have all affected loved ones and friends. Then add the social issues that need so much more of our attention and care into the mix: education, homelessness, poverty, sexual and domestic violence to name just a few. I found it almost impossible to choose.

I left BIFA four years ago because I was chomping at the bit to keep learning and to be part of something that "had an effect". I think so many of us have been feeling the same over the past few years. Nearly a year ago I started working with a new female-led distribution and production company, Modern Films, on films that tackle some of those social issues and through impact campaigns, have met some of the most extraordinary human beings who are giving their lives to supporting others and effecting major change. So much of this work has been about violence against women and girls. I have felt inspired, challenged, blessed and honoured to have been part of this. 

Most recently, I have been doing research for a film about a young woman who has suffered an acid attack (Dirty God). I have learned that the UK has the highest level of recorded acid attacks in the world - recently over 2000 in less than 3 years. And worldwide most attacks are perpetrated against women and girls. The shocking effect of an acid attack is instantaneous. And the physical and emotional aftermath is truly devastating: leading to disfigurement, disabilities, and in many countries, social stigma or even ostracism.

ASTI (Acid Survivors' Trust International) is a UK registered not-for-profit charity that helps provide medical expertise and training, conducts evidence based research, raises funds to support survivors, educates and helps change laws.

Watch these videos if you want to know more: 

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L6AzFevoSc&feature=youtu.be
• The 2012 Oscar winning short documentary film, Saving Face: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2rb47k

Or visit the ASTI website at  https://www.asti.org.uk/

On the afternoon of Saturday 23 February I am going to surround myself with some of my favourite women in the world and they will all help me with the big shave. I know this is going to be challenging - I can't imagine I will love it straight away! There will be a shift in how I see myself and how I think others see me and that will be uncomfortable, I know. But nothing like the effect of an acid attack.

So here's my challenge to you - there are only 12 days before the event so I suspect it will not be easy to even reach my target of £1000, however if the funds reach £3000 or over I will go fully bald - right back to the skin. Not just the number one I am planning right now. Go on - make me do it! And don't worry about making me do something you might think I don’t really want - at heart I thrive on the drama of it all!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. No donation will be too small. All will be an inspiration.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Photo by Nikki Wills: https://www.instagram.com/nikkiwillsphotography/