A Castletown resident has raised over £700 after a charity head shave.

About 60 people turned up to see Andy Bridson, a self-employed photographer, graphic designer and part-time bartender, have his long hair shaved off at The Union pub in Castletown for Hospice Isle of Man.

The 23-year-old decided to help the charity.

It has cared for his aunt and some of his friends have received treatment from the healthcare provider.

He also wanted to let go of his insecurities concerning scars on his head and face of which his hair has covered for many years.

’I was four years old when I fell through a glass door,’ he said. ’After hours and hours, I had my face stitched back together and the cuts to my body tended too.

’Luckily the cuts to my legs were healed, but my face was left with big scars and I’ve suffered from loss of memory ever since.

’When it came to high school, I grew more and more self-conscious and so I grew my hair long enough to cover my scars to hide myself from the world because I was afraid of people pointing it out.

’It was quite hard to imagine myself without hair, but I was willing to get through the change and let go of my insecurities to raise money towards a good cause,’ he explained.

The event took place on Friday last week, where Andy’s friends, family and other Castletown residents generously donated during the fundraiser.

Andy continued: ’Most of the funds were donated during the lead up to the event, with the rest being on the day.

’Everyone was very supportive.

’It’s pretty tricky getting out of my old habits now that my hair is gone. I keep going to use shampoo and realising that I don’t really need it any more.

’I know they do a lot for the elderly at Hospice IOM, but I hope the donations I have raised will help those children that are going through so much pain.

’The charity does amazing work, for instance, what they did for the firework girl Sophie Birtles who had a rare genetic disorder.

’I have done many fundraisers for this charity and am hoping to trek up Kilamanjaro with members of my family to raise even more money. This will depend on whether we get enough sponsors to do it in September this year,’ he explained.

Andy would like to say a big thank you to everyone who donated and gave him support along the way.