Residents at a Dorset care home went hands-on to help a brave team member lose her locks and raise £2,500 for charity.

Corinne Wareham, a Companion at Colten Care’s Bourne View in Poole, turned her first haircut for a year into a chance to help both the Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) and Hants & Dorset Christian Youth Camps.

Moments before the cut began and much to everyone’s amusement, Brett Gill, Gardener at the Langside Avenue home, blew Corinne’s long hair for a last time using a powerful leaf blower.

Then, after all the strands were brushed back into place, the first resident to take part, John Broomfield, took hold of a ponytail and, scissors at the ready, removed several inches.

John said: “I was happy to take the first cut and it was like I had a trophy when I held up the lock to show everyone.”

Corinne’s ‘chop for charity’ was overseen by Bourne View’s professional hairdresser Nicola Guest, who styled various looks for her during the day.

They included an inverted bob and a Mohican sprayed with green and white colouring and crafted with the DSA logo on the side of Corinne’s shaved head.

Nicola said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of cutting styles our residents don’t usually ask for.” 

Corinne said she choose DSA as a cause because of the help it has given her son Joe who has Down’s Syndrome.

She added that Hants & Dorset Christian Youth Camps is a local charity close to her family’s heart. 

Both Joe and Corinne’s husband Paul joined her in having their heads shaved on the day.

Corinne said: “It was fun to spread smiles and laughter all round for those watching and I’m so pleased we were able to help both charities in this way. I thank everyone - our residents, their families and my colleagues - for engaging with the event and making donations in support. I was also delighted that representatives from both charities came along.”

Companionship Team Leader Zoe Rose said: “The day before the ‘chop’, Corinne gave a talk at Bourne View about her journey of having a child with Down’s. It was very well received by residents and our team.”