Hello, my name is Marlisa Kemp. I’m going to do the crazy thing and challenge myself, I have decided to shave my hair off in the name of charity! On Saturday 7th October.

I will be raising money for Pets As Therapy who have volunteers bring their pets in for therapeutic purposes giving people access to animals. I will also raise money and donate hair to the Little Princess Trust who make wigs for kids with cancer (I have had to make a separate funding page, which was frustrating- https://www.justgiving.com/page/marlisa-kemp-1691417752572). Because I think both causes are amazing.

The reason I’m doing all of this is solely for mental health. Mental health is very important and something we should not neglect for ourselves. Everyone is fighting a battle and has a story to tell, we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors. Approximately 1 in 4 people will struggle with mental health at some point in their lives, which is a high statistic.

For more than a decade, I have struggled with mental health, I was diagnosed with EUPD (Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder) 4 years ago, where emotions can feel very unbearable and extreme. I also struggle with body dysmorphia regularly and as someone who is used to wearing my hair long, I’m ready to find the release and the challenges that come with it, hopefully leading to me accepting I’m beautiful no matter what, and I will be able to suit the new change.

Last year the world lost Alexandra Koutsoudes, she struggled with EUPD too. She was a beautiful soul and she impacted the lives of many, her legacy still lives on. She was in my life for 4 years and I cared about her deeply. The loss made me go numb and into deep depression for most of last year, I still feel the lingering affects. Grief is not really something you can navigate easily, especially when the person impacted your life and contributed to the person you became today.

Close to the end of last year I ended up working for Hampstead Hounds as a dog walker and house sitter. Since being able to go outside and enjoy nature, along with having four legged friends to accompany me. I have felt the shift in my mental health improving, my heart has warmed up a lot more and there’s a relief off my shoulders. I feel happiness a lot more frequently and I’m at my most stable. I am lucky to have a job where I’m surrounded by loving animals and that is a luxury I think everyone deserves to have. This is why I am behind Pets As Therapy.

Coincidentally I have remembered after making this decision, one of Alex’s final projects for her interior design degree was based off of animal therapy, she had a love for animals and a big advocate on mental health.

More information on Pets As Therapy- https://petsastherapy.org/

More information on Little Princess Trust- https://www.littleprincesses.org.uk/

Make donations to Little Princess Trust also- https://www.justgiving.com/page/marlisa-kemp-1691417752572