I am raising funds for Alopecia UK because of the significant positive impact the charity made on my wellbeing and mental health when I lost my hair, in January 2021.

Alopecia UK validated my reaction to hair loss and helped me to normalise my profound emotional response to the experience. Appearance is a huge part of identity and accepting the new bald version of myself was incredibly challenging.

Thanks to the Alopecia UK website, I found out about types of headwear and wigs, and learned how to wear them. I connected with people who had lost their hair and began to accept my new identity. I joined Facebook groups and read and responded to questions and conversations, building courage as I began to explore my options. I felt Alopecia UK hold my hand as I tried going outside bald, feeling like I was in disguise and wearing a variety of scarves, hats and hair-options. They helped me to find the words to respond to social curiosity and explain what had happened to me.

Thanks to my newfound role models and support systems I found the courage to share my news at work, with all of the children and staff at my school. Their support was another huge step in my journey towards wellbeing as a bald woman.

My husband and children were a phenomenal lifeline throughout, and their support helped me to build the courage to have my head tattooed in 2024. I was lucky enough to have found many allies in the alopecia community and one of them had a wonderful tattoo, completed by Ellis at Dagren Tattoos in Dunfermline. Visiting Ellis was brilliant and getting my first ever tattoo - covering the entirety of my scalp - was the final step in my alopecia acceptance, giving me the freedom and confidence to exercise, sunbathe and enjoy all aspects of life - beyond those times I prefer to wear a wig for warmth, thanks to Scottish weather.

I am keen to fundraise for Alopecia UK and help them to continue their mission so that others who lose their hair have the channels that I did - and hopefully more - to ensure they can validate their emotions and experience, normalise what they are going through, and find the inner confidence to accept their new normal.

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.