A WOMAN has braved the shave at a Sainsbury’s store for the national charity Child Bereavement UK.

Kelly Freeman, who is 43, raised more than £4,950 for the national charity that supports families when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child faces bereavement.

The shave took place at the Sainsbury’s store in Kempshott on October 8 and the money has been raised through a JustGiving page and from collection pots the 43-year-old had arranged.

The idea for the charity came to Kelly when she realised she did not receive any support from charities like Child Bereavement UK when her father died when she was just three-years-old.

Kelly said: “Child Bereavement UK wasn’t around when I was younger and I’m sure there are so many other people out there who would benefit from support, if they knew the charity existed.

“I’m scared of heights so knew I didn’t want to do an abseil or jump out of a plane, but my hair will grow back.

“As well as raising money for Child Bereavement UK, I have sent my hair to the Little Princess Trust to make a wig for someone going through chemotherapy.”

Child Bereavement UK also trains professionals such as teachers, doctors and midwives to help them better understand and meet the needs of the grieving families they come into contact with in their daily working lives.

Kelly said she believes that the charity is particularly important and thinks the work it does is particularly beneficial to those going through a loss.

Ruth Sanger, regional fundraising and communications manager at Child Bereavement UK said: “We are so grateful to Kelly for choosing to shave her head in aid of Child Bereavement UK; a fantastic way to raise funds and awareness.

“We receive no guaranteed statutory funding and therefore rely heavily on public support.

“Without it, we wouldn’t be able to help families to rebuild their lives when a child dies or when a child grieves.”

If you would like to donate to Child Bereavement UK or learn more about the charity, please visit childbereavementuk.org or call 0800 08 888 40.

Donations are still being made to Kelly’s cause.

Go to justgiving.com/fundraising/kelly-freeman9.