Josh Avis, age 14 from Goring-by-Sea has braved the shave for St Barnabas House, raising £140 to support local people who need hospice care.

When Josh found out that the St Barnabas House Night to Remember midnight walk was to be postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, he was disappointed that he would have to wait until September to take part in the fundraising event. Determined to find a new way to raise money for the hospice during lockdown, Josh decided to shave his head, and set up a JustGiving page asking friends and family to sponsor his ‘no hair for care’ charity challenge.

With an original target of £100, Josh is thrilled to have raised £140 for his local hospice – which could help provide care for a patient in their home, giving their carer a much-needed break during this difficult time.

With the hospice’s fundraising events postponed or cancelled and charity shops closed, Josh says, “I hope I can inspire more people to find fun ways to fundraise for St Barnabas as they really need our help at the moment.”

“I feel very happy to have done something to help people when they need it the most. My hair is a radical change from my previous hair cut, it’s really short! So I’m still getting used to it. Please help raise money for St Barnabas they are amazing.”

Josh’s mother, Marieanne Avis, says, “We’re very proud of Josh for coming up with this great way to raise money for charity in these difficult times. Supporting St Barnabas means a lot to him as I work as an assistant residential care home manager in Ferring and we talk a lot about my job and how important it is.”

Mary Bye, Community Fundraiser at St Barnabas House, says: “We want to thank Josh and his family and friends for their amazing support. Josh looks very smart with his new haircut and the money will be used to ensure local hospice care is possible – now and in the future.”