NHS workers brave the shave to raise funds for their department

The two members of Russells Hall Hospital’s Breast Imaging Department have had their locks chopped in aid of The Dudley Group NHS Charity.

Consultant radiographer Anne Mannion and clinical superintendent Emma Dobbs took on the clippers at the Dudley hospital on Friday, May 22, while respecting social distancing measures and wearing face masks.

Anne and Emma have been working tirelessly to support the Breast Imaging Department, which is reliant upon state of the art technology to treat patients.

They were inspired to have the chop in hopes of raising additional funds to purchase new radiography equipment to treat even more of the community.

Emma said: "I wanted to do something to help raise money and awareness of the Breast Imaging Screening Department.

"The idea of a head shave was just a passing comment we had, which then snowballed in to the event.

"I think we were both nervous about having it done, but we had a lot of support from the staff within our department."

Due to social distancing measures, the number of people allowed to watch the pair have their heads shaved had to be limited.

The duo's colleagues from the Radiography department cheered them on from afar and gave them words of encouragement.

A JustGiving page was set up with aims of raising £1,000 for the NHS charity.

Thanks to donations from friends, family and colleagues the brave ladies have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the community which has seen them raise more than £1,300.

Anne added: "This has been a fun event to raise funds and awareness for our excellent breast imaging department.

"I would like to thank all my fellow colleagues, family and friends as well as patients who have very generously donated to this event.

"It has been a great success and I am sure Emma will agree that we are definitely feeling a lot cooler now."

Additional donations are still being accepted online through the ladies' JustGiving page.

To donate to the appeal visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dudleybsu