A PRIMARY school teacher has raised £2000 for St David's Hospice by 'braving the shave'.

Nia Rowlands, who lives in Llandudno Junction and works at Awel y Mynydd School, set up a sponsorship page online and asked for donations for having her flowing locks shaved off by her daughters Iris, nine, and Eva, seven.

Her fundraising efforts are in memory of her husband Simon (below), who was cared for by St David’s Hospice before losing a long battle with a brain tumour in 2014.

Over the years, Nia has organised and taken part in many fundraising events including the London Marathon. Last year, she raised more than £25,000 in total.

Nia, 37 said: "Every year in May I organise a Golf Memorial Day in memory of Simon. It struck me, because of the Coronavirus, the fundraiser will not be going ahead so I wanted to find another way I can raise money from home.

"As the social distancing and lockdown was put into place, I noticed how many people started to panic about their hair and how they wouldn't be able to have their regular cut and colours, me included!

"I felt so vain, and thought of all those cancer sufferers enduring treatment with no choice but to lose their hair. So I thought, why not take the plunge and brave the shave, and get a buzz cut to raise money for the Hospice. Throughout this difficult time they are still providing wonderful care 24/7.

"Many won't know, but Simon actually did this 20 years ago too, and shaved his 90's curtains off to fundraise for a special baby care unit: and he never grew it back! I think I will!"

Marking her late husband's birthday, the shave took place on April 15 and Nia went live on Facebook to an audience of 130, as well as eight friends and family on Zoom.

Nia continued: "Having 'no hair' feels odd now, and cold, but I feel very proud to have done it and quite liberated! The girls loves it and want me to keep it like it!"

Through kind donations from friends and family, Nia has raised £2,140 for St David's Hospice. For those wishing to make a donation, her online sponsorship page remains open at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nia-rowlands2