Hil Harrison, from Alhampton near Shepton Mallet, recently braved the clippers - cutting off her below-shoulder-length hair to raise over £2,000 for sight loss charity Guide Dogs. 

The sponsored head shave took place at the Alhampton Inn, with supporters including guide dog owners and volunteer puppy raisers coming along to witness Hil losing her locks.

Seventy-year-old Hil first started learning about Guide Dogs' work 40 years ago after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, a condition that can potentially lead to sight problems.

Hil says: "As I learned more about what Guide Dogs do for people with sight loss, I was deeply moved to become a supporter of this incredible charity. I don't want to imagine what it must be like to lose your sight, and this is a way to help those who do to live a full life.

"In celebration of the cause and to raise awareness, I decided to take on the personal challenge of having my head shaved. I'm very grateful to my friends and family, both here and further afield, for their generosity in helping me to meet and exceed my £1,000 target. I'm on track to raise £2,500 which will allow me to name a guide dog puppy. Her name will be Ally, in honour of my local community pub, the Alhampton Inn, which has been so supportive. Together, we can make a difference!"

As well as the pub, Hil was also sponsored by Paul Nicholls Racing in Ditcheat, a neighbouring village. 

Krissie Isaac, Community Fundraising Manager for Guide Dogs, added: "Thank you so much to Hil for choosing to shave her hair off to raise vital funds for Guide Dogs. We're very grateful.

"The funds raised will help us to continue providing our life-changing services for people living with sight loss."

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Donations can still be made through Hil's Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/page/hilary-harrison-1.

To learn more about Guide Dogs, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help.