A KIND-HEARTED young woman braved a charity head shave outside a supermarket in Cirencester last week to raise money for a cause close to her heart.

Niamh Darragh, who is the manager of the travel money bureau at Cirencester's Tesco Extra, was diagnosed with Alopecia in January after finding a bald patch on the top of her head on New Year’s Day.

She has described the last few months as 'an emotional rollercoaster' but decided to embrace the change and shave her red locks off to raise money for New Start Cat Rescue.

Travelex colleagues, friends and family gathered around Niamh to watch the transformation outside the supermarket on Tuesday, March 5. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Niamh with colleagues, friends and family outside Tesco Extra in Cirencester before the head shave Niamh with colleagues, friends and family outside Tesco Extra in Cirencester before the head shave (Image: Niamh Darragh)
So far, she has raised more than £500 on her JustGiving page plus more than £100 in cash donations.

The Tesco employee said she is happy with her decision and is glad she has turned something negative into a positive. 

Niamh said: "I was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata back in January and the bald patches were becoming to overwhelming for me to hide. 

"It was a tough decision to make as I’m someone who would always change up their hair style/colour as it was a huge part of my identity.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Niamh Darragh's head shave outside Tesco Extra in CirencesterNiamh Darragh's head shave outside Tesco Extra in Cirencester (Image: Niamh Darragh)

"The last few months have been a rollercoaster of emotions, the main one being sadness.

"So I decided to turn the negative into a positive by doing the shave to raise money for New Start Cat Rescue Charity,

"I care deeply for this charity and those close to me know just how much I adore animals, especially cats. 

"They work so hard to care for the animals and provide them with all the love until they're able to go to their forever homes. 

"Unfortunately love isn't always enough and the medical bills, food, shelter etc all adds up and can be very difficult to keep on top of.

"I understand times are hard, but any donation will be greatly appreciated.

"Raising money for the fur babies is making this painful decision for me to be worth it."

To donate visit tinyurl.com/bde8k3jr