‘Rapunzel’ Claire loses her locks for Stevenage Community Trust
Claire Austin prepares to lose her locks. Picture: Karyn Haddon - Credit: Archant
A well-known community figure has had her head shaved and raised more than £7,500 for charity.
Claire Austin with those who attended the fun day. Picture: Karyn Haddon - Credit: Archant
Claire Austin, managing director of Austin’s Family Funeral Directors – which has branches in Stevenage, Letchworth, Hitchin, Knebworth, Welwyn and Welwyn Garden City – braved the shave on Saturday in aid of grant-giving charity the Stevenage Community Trust.
Stevenage hairdresser Jo Gates, who went to The Barclay School with Claire, was charged with giving her friend the radical new haircut at the fairytale-themed Austin’s Family Fun Day in Pirton – an annual event held at Claire’s home for Austin’s staff and their families.
More than 150 guests watched Claire, who was dressed as Rapunzel on the day, lose her long locks.
With donations still coming in, more than £7,500 has so far been raised for the community trust.
Claire Austin before she had her blonde locks shaved off for charity. Picture: Karyn Haddon - Credit: Archant
Stevenage Community Trust was established in 1990 and since then has distributed in excess of £1 million to a wide range of causes in Stevenage and the surrounding villages, including charities, community groups, individuals in need and families in crisis.
About the headshave, Claire said: “It was an amazing experience. I received so much support from my family, friends and the Austin’s team.
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“I am delighted to have been able to raise funds for our community in this way.”
Claire, who was born and bred in Stevenage, has run the family funeral business – which was established in Stevenage more than 300 years ago – for the past 20 years.
Claire Austin braves the shave. Picture: Karyn Haddon - Credit: Archant
She said: “As a family company, we are very community-focused and are keen to support local charities and causes.” Claire has personally taken part in a number of fundraising events, including charity work in India and Vietnam, and in 2014 ran the London Marathon in aid of Garden House Hospice Care in Letchworth.
You can still support Claire and Stevenage Community Trust by making a donation at love2donate.co.uk/claireaustin or by sending a cheque made payable to the Stevenage Community Trust to Claire at Austin’s Family Funeral Directors, 21 High Street, Stevenage, SG1 3BG.
For more information about the SCT – both for those in need of support and anyone interested in joining the corporate membership scheme – visit the website, stevenagecommunitytrust.org.
Claire Austin sports her new look. Picture: Karyn Haddon - Credit: Archant
Claire Austin holds her hair following the headshave. Picture: Karyn Haddon - Credit: Archant
