My journey with alopecia began just over five years ago with one small patch.

I will never forget my hairdresser's unintended gasp and cautiously telling me she has found a patch and it was about the size of a pound coin. In fairness, my hairdresser did acknowledge that stress could be a factor but at the time, the direction was simple: “Style it out and not overthink.” But back then, I was oblivious to how poorly I was actually dealing with stress myself.

Six months later, I cried my way through my first bald cut, supported by my loved ones I had finally found the courage to tell. At that time, one patch had become three, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to cover up or simply shrug away.

My cover up hairstyles had become a superficial way of avoiding the reality I was facing. Then came the words from my GP that I would never forget: alopecia areata.

Fast forward to today, and after trying different therapies, having clear blood tests, avoiding topical treatments and making some significant changes in my life, I’ve reached a place where I accept my alopecia for what it is for me, an autoimmune condition, and something that has often been closely linked with how my body responds to stress.

I hear lots of compliments about having a bald head:

“You really pull it off.”

“You’re lucky you have a good head shape.”

And I appreciate every one of them.

But not everyone needs to know why I’m bald.

Because while alopecia areata wasn't my choice, being bold enough to go bald was.

To anyone experiencing their first patch, living with alopecia, experiencing hair loss, chemotherapy induced or supporting someone who is, remember this,

We so often see hair as someone's crown particularly in Black community, a symbol of beauty, femininity or vanity. But you are not your hair.

Hair should simply an accessory to your character. It doesn't define you, diminish you or give anyone the right to put you into a box or a category.

So add to my boldness, I have decided to share a bit of my story and do something to raise awareness.

For Alopecia Awareness Month, I am taking on a 30,000-step challenge on 30 September to raise a minimum of £300 for Alopecia UK.

I will be tracking my progress on Strava and try sharing the journey along the way. I

I would love for you to support a cause that is often forgotten and rarely talked about. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help me get closer to my £300 target.

And if you're feeling brave… join me 👀

Set yourself a step challenge for 30th September. See how far you can go. And if you are really up for it, I dare you to meet me at 30K. 😂

But ultimately, this isn't just about steps.

Take some time for an intentional walk. Start a conversation about alopecia and the different types (https://www.alopecia.org.uk/Pages/Category/types-of-alopecia)

Check in on someone who might be struggling. Learn a little more . And wherever you are, make someone else's day a little better.

30K steps. £300 raised. More conversations about alopecia.

If you can, please sponsor me and help me reach my target. 💙

#RaiseAndShine | #AlopeciaAwarenessMonth | #AlopeciaUK

About Alopecia

Alopecia UK is a national charity providing support, community and education to improve the lives of those affected by alopecia.

The charity provides opportunities for people affected by alopecia to connect, share practical advice and feel less isolated.

Alopecia UK also raises awareness of the challenges faced by those with alopecia, in both society and healthcare systems, and champions research by placing those affected by alopecia at the heart of research.